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Professional and Business Services Executive Search
Robert Walters is one of the UK’s leading professional services executive search firms, Robert Walters connects organisations with exceptional senior leaders who drive growth, transformation and long-term business success. Through our specialist professional services executive search practice, we help firms secure C-suite, board and senior leadership talent across consulting, legal, accounting, advisory, audit, tax and business services organisations.
Executive Search for Professional Services Leaders
The professional services sector continues to evolve rapidly as firms respond to changing client demands, digital transformation, regulatory developments and increasing competition. Organisations require leaders who can navigate complex market dynamics, build high-performing teams and deliver sustainable growth.
Drawing on deep sector expertise, our professional services executive recruiters partner with organisations ranging from boutique consultancies and specialist advisory firms to global professional services networks, private equity-backed businesses and listed organisations. We identify and secure outstanding leaders across operational, commercial, financial, people and client-facing functions.
As firms continue to invest in technology, talent, client experience and international expansion, demand has grown for executives who combine strategic vision with strong commercial and operational leadership. Through our professional services executive search capability, we help organisations appoint leaders who can drive performance, strengthen client relationships and position businesses for future success.
Using a research-led and relationship-driven methodology, our professional services headhunters connect organisations with CEOs, Managing Partners, CFOs, COOs and other senior executives capable of leading growth, transformation and market expansion.
Let’s talk
Our professional services executive search specialists help organisations secure proven leaders across consulting, legal, accounting, audit, tax, risk, compliance, outsourcing and business advisory services. We work closely with clients to identify executives who can build market-leading teams, enhance client delivery and create competitive advantage.
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.
Executive assignments delivered for
Our Professional & Business Service Executive Recruiters
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
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
Business Director
Manchester, United Kingdom
George has over 14 years' experience in executive search, consultancy and workforce solutions, specialising in senior commercial, ...
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...
Our track record
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47
Years of combined executive search experience across our team
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80%
Of clients return to us for their next executive search
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10
Week average time to place an executive leader in a new role
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100%
Of executives we have helped would recommend our services
Our executive insights
Explore more executive insights
Anabas Case Study
Anabas, a leading Facilities Management business for corporate workplaces, were confidentially looking for a successor to their Managing Director, who was transitioning into a Chairman role. The current MD and HR Director approached four Executive Search businesses, and Robert Walters was successful
Read More
Global Talent Solutions: Seadrill Case Study
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 r
Read More
European Finance Director
Our client, Dechra Pharmaceuticals, is a global leader in veterinary pharmaceuticals and related products. With operations spanning across multiple regions, Dechra focuses on delivering high-quality solutions to improve animal health and welfare. Headquartered in the UK, they have a strong presence
Read MoreWhat 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.
“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
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."
“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.”
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Our Executive Search team
Robert Walters Executive Search is the UK's specialist partner for C-suite, board and senior leadership appointments. As one of the leading professional services executive search firms, we connect influential organisations with exceptional leaders who can accelerate growth, drive transformation and strengthen leadership capability. Combining deep sector expertise with an extensive global network, we help clients attract and secure the talent they need to succeed.FAQs
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What is Professional Services Executive Search?
Professional Services Executive Search is a specialist recruitment service focused on identifying, attracting and securing senior leadership talent for professional services organisations. This includes CEOs, Managing Partners, CFOs, COOs, Practice Leaders and other senior executives across consulting, legal, accounting, audit, tax and advisory firms.
Unlike traditional recruitment, professional services executive search firms use a targeted, research-led approach to engage highly sought-after leaders who are often not actively seeking new opportunities.
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What are the current executive hiring trends in the professional services sector?
Demand for senior leaders remains strong across the professional services market, particularly for executives with expertise in digital transformation, operational excellence, client relationship management, mergers and acquisitions, talent strategy and business growth.
Many organisations are increasingly engaging professional services executive recruiters to identify leaders who can combine technical expertise with commercial thinking, build resilient organisations and enhance client outcomes.
As competition for leadership talent intensifies, firms are prioritising executives who can drive innovation, attract top talent and deliver sustainable growth in evolving market conditions.
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What is the difference between hiring professional services executives in London and other UK markets?
London remains the UK's largest professional services hub, home to leading consulting firms, legal practices, accounting businesses, advisory organisations and financial services providers. Executive hiring in London is often focused on growth, international expansion, client acquisition and transformation leadership.
Other major markets, including Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Bristol, Edinburgh and Glasgow, offer strong talent pools with expertise across advisory, consulting, legal, accounting and specialist professional services sectors. Leadership requirements often vary according to regional market dynamics, business objectives and sector focus, making a tailored professional services executive search approach essential.
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What are the benefits of partnering with Professional Services Executive Search Firms?
Access to top talent: Leading professional services executive search firms provide access to extensive leadership networks and highly qualified candidates who may not be actively looking for new opportunities.
Industry expertise: Experienced professional services executive recruiters offer in-depth market knowledge, sector expertise and rigorous assessment processes, helping organisations identify leaders with the right skills, experience and cultural fit.
Streamlined recruitment: Professional services executive search partners manage sourcing, engagement, assessment and shortlisting, reducing hiring risk and allowing organisations to focus on their strategic priorities.
Strategic advantage: Working with specialist professional services headhunters enables organisations to secure exceptional leadership talent capable of driving growth, transformation, client excellence and long-term success.