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Our experts

Our executive search consultants are experts in identifying and attracting senior leadership talent, partnering with organisations across the UK to deliver the leadership capability needed to drive business performance, transformation and sustainable growth.

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Get in touch for a confidential discussion on your hiring needs.

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Case Studies

Robert Walters Executive Search case studies. Real-world examples of how we've helped the UK, and global organisations find and appoint the C-suite and senior leadership talent they need to grow and transform.

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Executive Search

Secure the right leaders for your organisation with our tailored executive search recruitment service in the UK. Our industry-leading recruiters across the UK connect you with leaders who share your vision and are ready to drive your business forward.

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Discuss your hiring needs

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Discover our methodology

How we find the right leaders for your organisation

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Meet our executive experts

The specialists behind your talent search

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Connecting like-minded leaders and employers through executive search

Exceptional leadership transforms organisations. The right executive drives performance, shapes culture, and delivers lasting impact from the boardroom to the bottom line.

For 40 years, we have mastered the art of identifying top-tier leaders and matching them with organisations where they can thrive. Employers and executives trust us to align vision, expertise, and leadership with the right opportunities, both in the United Kingdom and globally.

Let’s talk 

Our executive search service connects the best organisations with the brightest leaders. Contact us to find out more.

Executive assignments delivered for

  • Kidsloop logo
  • Anabas logo
  • Unilever logo
  • Seadrill logo

Our executive search methodology

Executive search requires a disciplined, structured process. We combine thorough market mapping, confidential outreach, and rigorous assessment to identify leaders who aren't visible through traditional channels.

Every stage is managed with consistency and care, from the initial mandate through to offer. We work closely with your team to align on timelines, assessment criteria and decision-making, so the process fits your organisation rather than the other way around.

The outcome is a shortlist of leaders who are not just capable, but genuinely right for you.

Our Executive Search Recruiters

Ben Appleton

Ben Appleton

Business Director

Manchester, United Kingdom

With 20+ years of recruitment expertise, Ben partners with engineering and manufacturing organisations to secure transformational ...

Ben Litvinoff

Ben Litvinoff

Associate Director

London, United Kingdom

Ben leads Robert Walters' Technology, Transformation and GTM teams across UK&I. Recognised as an RW Global High Achiever 3 times, ...

George Mellor

George Mellor

Business Director

Manchester, United Kingdom

George has over 14 years' experience in executive search, consultancy and workforce solutions, specialising in senior commercial, ...

Howard Green

Howard Green

Business Director

London, United Kingdom

Howard Green leads executive search at Robert Walters, advising boards and CEOs on senior hires, succession and growth. Former sea...

Executive assignments we deliver

Chief Executive Officer

CEO

The CEO is the highest-ranking executive in an organisation, responsible for setting strategic direction, driving performance and representing the business to its board, stakeholders and the market.

Chief Financial Officer

CFO

The CFO oversees the financial health of the organisation, leading financial planning, risk management, reporting and capital strategy to support sustainable growth and commercial decision-making.

Chief Technology Officer

CTO

The CTO leads the organisation's technology strategy, overseeing infrastructure, digital transformation and innovation to drive competitive advantage and operational capability.

Chief Operating Officer

COO

The COO is responsible for the day-to-day operational performance of the business, translating strategy into execution and ensuring the organisation runs efficiently and at scale.

Chief People Officer

CPO

The CPO is responsible for the organisation's people strategy, encompassing talent acquisition, culture, leadership development, employee experience and workforce planning.

Chief Commercial Officer

CCO

The CCO is responsible for revenue growth, customer acquisition and commercial strategy, aligning business objectives with market opportunities.

Chief Marketing Officer

CMO

The CMO leads brand, marketing and customer strategy, driving growth through market positioning and the development of campaigns that build brand equity, deepen audience connection and deliver measurable commercial results.

Securing global tax leadership for Seadrill

Seadrill, a Fortune 500 company and one of the largest international offshore drilling organizations, engaged Robert Walters to act as their recruitment partner for a critical Global Tax Director search. With headquarters in Norway and plans to relocate to the UK within two to five years, Seadrill required a highly skilled finance leader to head up this transition.

Our global footprint

Our executive insights

Explore more executive insights
Leading teams through change: 7 mistakes new leaders make (and how to avoid them)

New leaders face a common challenge from the outset: transitioning into a new role. Stepping into a leadership role for the first time is often far more challenging than new leaders expect. The transition from individual contributor to decision-maker brings a sudden shift in responsibility, visibili

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Finance Transformation Guide: How to build a successful project team

Transform your finance function: The essential guide to building a successful project team In a rapidly evolving business landscape, finance leaders are under pressure to drive finance and accounting transformation and deliver strategic value. With 93% of UK finance leaders planning digital transfor

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How to succeed in a new senior leadership role

Whether you are starting at a new organisation or have been promoted within your existing organisation the first 90 days in a new senior leadership role is critical. In this research we speak to senior business leaders from across the globe to learn about their experiences of starting a new role; in

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What our clients say

At Robert Walters, we believe our success comes from the success of our clients and candidates. We're not just recruitment experts; we're partners in crafting your success story.

Fortune 500 Global Tax Director Search

"We were very pleased with the service provided by Robert Walters in our search for a new Global Tax Director. More specifically, we were impressed by their great ability to understand us as a client, including our culture, needs, and our industry. We felt that Robert Walters prioritized Seadrill’s requirements and kept in constant communication with us. The result has been that we have found an excellent resource and the process was made very simple."

Rune Magnus Lundaetræ
Seadrill
Chief Financial Officer & SVP at Seadrill
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“It has been a pleasure working together with Emily on this important role. Given the fact that this was a very particular role and the combination of requirements was very specific, I was very happy with the speed and professional approach with with Robart Walters, and more importantly Emily performed in this process. She immediately understood what was needed and she managed to present very qualitfied candidates very quickly. She ran the overall process very well and managed both my interests as well as the interests of the candidates in a very solid way. All in all, I would highly recommend her for similar type of profiles.”

Joost Beckers
ABN Amro
Head of Executive Recruitment

“From commencing the search to securing an accepted offer, the entire process was completed in just six weeks. For a Managing Director appointment, this was an exceptional achievement. Throughout the process, Howard maintained excellent communication, provided honest and balanced advice, and managed both candidates and stakeholders professionally and discreetly. The quality of the candidates presented was particularly impressive. Every individual introduced was credible, well-qualified and thoroughly assessed against our requirements. Howard demonstrated a strong understanding of both technical capability and cultural fit, ensuring that the shortlist reflected not only the skills required for the role but also the leadership style and values that were important to our organisation.”

Managing Director
Anabas

“Robert Walters is truly great at their job—knowledgeable, supportive, and able to strike the right balance in communication, keeping you informed throughout the process at the right time and in the right way. They are genuinely focused on achieving the best outcome for all parties, and I have no hesitation in recommending them.”

Clint Morris
Dechra
Finance Director – Europe, Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC
Read more
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FAQs

  • What are the benefits of partnering with an executive search firm?

    • Access to top talent: Partnering with an executive search & headhunting firm provides access to exclusive networks and highly qualified candidates who aren't actively job hunting.
    • Industry expertise: Executive search companies offer deep industry insights and expert assessments, ensuring candidates are a perfect fit for your company culture.
    • Streamlined recruitment: We handle candidate screening, interviews, and assessments, significantly saving your organisation time and resources.
    • Strategic advantage: Utilising our executive hiring agency gives your company a competitive edge by quickly securing top executive talent ahead of your competitors.

    Submit an executive hiring requirement to arrange a no-obligation discussion around how Robert Walters can support. 

  • What industries do you specialise in for executive recruitment?

    At Robert Walters, we specialise in executive & headhunting recruitment across a range of industries. Our expertise includes:

    • Finance: Our firm recruit CFOs, controllers, and treasurers to drive financial strategy and growth.
    • Corporate Leadership: Placing CEOs, COOs, and other senior executives who can lead and inspire across diverse sectors.
    • Technology: Identifying leaders like CTOs and IT directors to keep your organisation ahead in the tech landscape.
    • Healthcare: Sourcing administrators, chief medical officers, and healthcare CFOs to manage and grow healthcare organisations.
    • Manufacturing and Engineering: Placing executives like procurement managers, VPs of operations, and engineering directors to optimise efficiency and innovation.
    • Marketing and Sales: Finding dynamic CMOs, sales directors, and other leaders to boost business development and market presence.
    • Human Resources: Recruiting HR executives, including CHROs and HR directors, to foster organisational culture and drive HR strategies.

     

    We operate in multiple locations across the UK, providing localised expertise with a global reach.

    Whether you're seeking a CFO headhunter in Manchester, a CEO in London, or a finance executive in Liverpool, we have the resources to meet your needs. Get in touch today to discuss your executive hiring needs. 

  • Can you assist with international executive searches?

    Harnessing the strength of our international networks and management programs, we excel in conducting global executive searches. Our seasoned team possesses the expertise to navigate diverse talent pools worldwide, guaranteeing the identification of ideal candidates irrespective of geographical constraints.

    Our executive search recruitment & headhunting firm boasts a network spanning over 30+ countries across continents and specialised knowledge in cross-cultural dynamics, we are fully equipped to meet your hiring needs on a global scale.

    Contact us today to find out more about our international executive search experience.

  • How can I find data to benchmark exec-level salaries?

    In the realm of executive search, our Salary Survey stands as a comprehensive guide to salaries and hiring trends in the UK.

    Drawing from the analysis of over 100,000 placements, encompassing permanent, interim, and contract roles, our survey offers in-depth insights into UK-specific salary and benefits across various industries.

    Request your copy of the Salary Survey guide to accurately benchmark salaries to attract and retain top talent.

  • How does Robert Walters’ London executive search team connect organisations with global leadership talent?

    London’s status as a global business hub means organisations here require access to the very best executive talent, both locally and internationally. As one of London’s leading executive recruitment agencies, our recruiters leverage deep market knowledge and extensive networks to identify senior leaders who can drive growth and innovation.

    For identifying C-suite leaders willing to relocate to London, Robert Walters has access to top talent pools from across the globe, and an International Candidate Management team. This global reach enables us to present a diverse shortlist of candidates, including those with international experience and fresh perspectives. Whether you’re seeking a CEO, CFO, or other senior executive, we ensure your business benefits from world-class leadership. 

    Take advantage of our global reach  - contact our London executive search firm or submit a hiring requirement to discuss how we can connect you with exceptional leaders from the UK and beyond.

  • How are executive hiring priorities changing for UK organisations?

    Executive hiring in the UK is shifting as organisations adapt to new market realities. Businesses are increasingly seeking leaders who can drive digital transformation, foster inclusive cultures, and manage hybrid or remote teams.

    In major cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham, there’s a growing demand for executives with proven experience in technology, finance, and business strategy. Companies are also prioritising candidates who demonstrate resilience, adaptability, and a track record of leading through uncertainty. As competition for top talent intensifies, executive search firms, like Robert Walters, are leveraging broader networks and advanced assessment tools to identify the best talent.

    If you want to discuss the latest executive hiring trends or need support with your next leadership appointment, contact our UK executive search specialists for tailored advice.