New York's executive search firms are vital players in the recruitment landscape, connecting organizations with the right leadership talent. The industry is growing as companies increasingly seek skilled consultants to navigate hiring challenges and organizational change. With a focus on sectors like healthcare, technology, and finance, these firms help find not only executives but also interim management and advisory services. They are adapting to client needs in a more dynamic market, integrating advanced methodologies and diversity initiatives, shaping more inclusive workplaces. This shift reflects a broader trend towards transformational leadership, pivotal for sustained organizational success.


The companies highlighted here are a mix of established and emerging firms, operating primarily from New York City and its suburbs. They range in size from small boutiques to larger entities, deploying teams of varied expertise to address specialized sectors like finance, healthcare, and technology. Founded between 1946 and 2020, these firms illustrate a rich history of talent acquisition practices, underscoring the evolution in executive search methodologies and client expectations over time.


Read on to explore the top executive search firms in New York.


Top 19 Executive Search Firms Companies in New York


1. Russell Reynolds Associates

  • Website: russellreynolds.com
  • Ownership type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 41%, United Kingdom (UK) 14%, Germany 7%, Other 38%
  • Latest funding: November 2016
  • Founded year: 1969
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • LinkedIn: russell-reynolds-associates

Russell Reynolds Associates is a management consulting firm based in New York, specializing in leadership advisory and executive recruiting services. Founded in 1969, the firm has built a reputation for assisting organizations in developing effective leaders and addressing intricate business challenges. Their clientele includes both international and domestic companies, reflecting their capability to enhance leadership performance and organizational effectiveness across various sectors. The firm offers a comprehensive suite of services, including executive search for C-suite positions, board director searches, and CEO succession planning. With a workforce of approximately 2,772 employees, Russell Reynolds operates in multiple countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and India, among others. Their consultants leverage deep industry knowledge and insights to provide tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of their clients.


2. Boyden

  • Website: boyden.com
  • Ownership type: Family Owned
  • Headquarters: Tarrytown, New York, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: Canada 16%, United States (USA) 14%, United Kingdom (UK) 7%, Other 62%
  • Founded year: 1946
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • LinkedIn: boyden

Boyden is an executive search firm based in Tarrytown, New York, founded in 1946. The company specializes in talent acquisition, interim management, and leadership consulting, helping organizations secure top leadership talent and enhance management capabilities across various sectors. Boyden serves a wide array of clients, from businesses to not-for-profits, providing strategic guidance during leadership transitions and development. With a workforce of over 1,100 employees, Boyden operates globally, with significant representation in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and India. Their approach combines industry expertise with a commitment to understanding client needs, ensuring that they deliver tailored solutions for executive recruitment. Boyden has not reported any recent funding, indicating a stable, self-sustaining business model.


3. IIC Partners

  • Website: iicpartners.com
  • Ownership type: Family Owned
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: China 21%, Venezuela 13%, Thailand 13%, Other 52%
  • Founded year: 1986
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • LinkedIn: iic-partners

IIC Partners is an executive search firm based in New York, specializing in leadership consulting services. Established in 1986, the firm has developed a robust practice in identifying and recruiting top executive talent across various sectors, including Consumer Markets, Life Sciences, and Technology. With a workforce of around 450 consultants operating from 40 offices worldwide, IIC Partners combines local insights with global expertise. Their services extend beyond traditional executive search to include board and leadership assessment, succession planning, coaching, and talent mapping. The firm has a strong focus on understanding market dynamics and the evolving needs of organizations, which positions them well to assist clients in enhancing their leadership capabilities and aligning talent with strategic objectives.


4. OSIsearch


OSIsearch is an executive search and consulting firm based in New York, founded in 2020. With a team of approximately 35 employees, the firm specializes in placing top executives and consultants across various sectors, including financial services, healthcare, and technology. OSIsearch prides itself on its deep understanding of industry cultures and its ability to forge long-lasting relationships with clients. The firm offers a range of services, such as retained search, contingency search, and consulting, aimed at meeting the strategic needs of its clients. OSIsearch has a proven track record of successful placements, having worked with notable companies and institutions to identify and recruit high-caliber leaders. Their focus on precision and responsiveness to client needs positions them as a valuable partner in the executive search space.


5. Acertitude

  • Website: acertitude.com
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 84%, United Kingdom (UK) 13%, India 3%
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn: acertitude

Acertitude is an executive search firm and leadership consultancy based in New York City, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in identifying and assessing top talent for organizations, addressing leadership challenges, and facilitating succession planning. Acertitude serves a variety of industries, including healthcare, technology, financial services, and private equity, among others. Their services range from board and CEO searches to executive assessments and pre-deal services, showcasing their comprehensive approach to talent management. The firm prides itself on a client-centric philosophy, emphasizing the importance of understanding each client's unique needs and culture. Acertitude has also been recognized in the industry, notably by Forbes, which ranked them among the top 100 best executive recruiting firms. This recognition reflects their commitment to quality and client satisfaction, as evidenced by their high net promoter score and client feedback. With a team of dedicated professionals, Acertitude aims to unleash human potential by connecting organizations with exceptional leaders.


6. Kingsley Gate

  • Website: kingsleygate.com
  • Ownership type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 37%, India 10%, Peru 7%, Other 46%
  • Latest funding: February 2022
  • Founded year: 2006
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • LinkedIn: kingsley-gate-partners

Kingsley Gate is an executive search firm based in New York, established in 2006. The company focuses on identifying and securing top-level talent for senior leadership roles across various industries, including financial services, technology, healthcare, and consumer markets. Kingsley Gate employs a distinctive approach that integrates insights into candidates' decision-making styles, which enhances the hiring process for organizations looking for effective leaders. The firm has a global presence, with consultants located in multiple countries, allowing them to cater to a wide range of clients. Their clientele primarily consists of businesses seeking to fill key executive positions, and they have developed proprietary tools to assess candidates' decision-making capabilities. This innovative focus on decision-making in executive hiring positions Kingsley Gate as a relevant player in the executive search industry.


7. Battalia Winston

  • Website: battaliawinston.com
  • Ownership type: Family Owned
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
  • Founded year: 1963
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: battalia-winston

Battalia Winston is an executive search firm based in New York City, founded in 1963. With a team of approximately 29 employees, the firm operates across several major U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, and Woodbridge, New Jersey. They specialize in recruiting top executive talent for a variety of sectors, such as healthcare, financial services, and consumer products. Battalia Winston prides itself on its personalized approach, where senior partners lead the search process, ensuring a deep understanding of client needs and company culture. Over the years, they have built a reputation for successfully placing executives who align with their clients' strategic goals. The firm has been recognized as one of the top retained executive search firms in the United States, reflecting their expertise and commitment to client satisfaction. They have also demonstrated a strong focus on family-owned businesses, understanding the unique governance challenges these companies face.


8. August Leadership

  • Website: augustleadership.com
  • Ownership type: Family Owned
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 35%, Pakistan 28%, United Kingdom (UK) 7%, Other 30%
  • Founded year: 2020
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • LinkedIn: augustleadership

August Leadership is a leadership advisory firm based in New York City, specializing in executive search and consulting services. Founded in 2020, the firm aims to address leadership challenges and enhance organizational effectiveness for businesses across multiple sectors. With a team composed of former business leaders and functional experts, August Leadership emphasizes a human-centered approach, prioritizing relationships over transactions. Their practice areas include automotive, aviation, consumer goods, financial services, technology, and more. The firm is committed to presenting a well-rounded slate of candidates, reflecting its focus on inclusion and cultural fit. Although August Leadership has not reported any funding, its rapid growth and innovative strategies position it as a noteworthy contender in the executive search industry.


9. bizWin Strategies - Business Intelligence, Strategy & Executive Search

  • Website: bizwinstrategies.com
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: Buffalo, New York, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: bizwin-strategies

bizWin Strategies - Business Intelligence, Strategy & Executive Search is a private executive search firm based in Buffalo, New York, founded in 2014. With a team of 19 professionals, the firm specializes in recruiting high-performance leadership teams and providing strategic consulting services. They utilize advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and behavioral analytics, to identify and connect with top talent across various sectors. Their client base includes organizations in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing, where they have successfully completed numerous executive search projects. bizWin Strategies is known for its consultative approach, helping clients not only fill key positions but also enhance overall workforce performance and organizational growth. Their commitment to understanding market dynamics and workforce trends allows them to deliver tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of their clients.


10. The Talent Business

  • Website: thetalentbusiness.com
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United Kingdom (UK) 48%, United States (USA) 32%, Singapore 16%, Other 5%
  • Founded year: 2007
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: the-talent-business

The Talent Business is an executive search firm based in New York, with additional offices in London, Berlin, Los Angeles, Singapore, Shanghai, and Sao Paulo. Founded in 2007, the firm specializes in identifying and securing transformative leadership talent for businesses across various sectors, including technology, creative industries, and marketing. They partner with brand owners and consultancies to address critical hiring needs, focusing on aligning talent with business transformation strategies. Their services extend to talent acquisition consulting and initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion. The firm has built a reputation for its activist approach to driving diversity in every search they handle, which is a significant aspect of their operations. With a team of around 44 employees, The Talent Business has a global reach and a strong commitment to understanding the unique challenges faced by their clients in the fast-evolving business environment.


11. Options Group

  • Website: optionsgroup.com
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 40%, India 21%, United Kingdom (UK) 10%, Other 29%
  • Founded year: 1992
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • LinkedIn: options-group

Options Group is an executive search and consulting firm based in New York City, established in 1992. The firm specializes in the financial services sector, providing a range of services that include talent acquisition, strategic consulting, and competitive intelligence. Options Group has developed a strong reputation for its ability to connect clients with top talent in areas such as global banking, investment management, and quantitative analytics. With a workforce of over 300 employees and a global presence that spans multiple continents, the firm has successfully expanded its operations to key financial markets, including London, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Their focus on bridging finance and technology positions them uniquely in the market, allowing them to adapt to the evolving needs of their clients. Options Group has not reported any recent funding, indicating a stable operational model that relies on its established client relationships and industry expertise.


12. MontaRosa

  • Website: montarosa.com
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 41%, United Kingdom (UK) 41%, Switzerland 9%, Other 9%
  • Founded year: 2008
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: montarosa

MontaRosa is a consulting firm based in New York, founded in 2008, that specializes in leadership search and advisory services. The firm provides talent curation and business plan enhancement to boards, executives, and investors, helping them unlock value and achieve growth. With a team of experienced professionals who have backgrounds in executive search, advisory, and investment, MontaRosa has developed a strong reputation for connecting clients with exceptional leaders. Their operations span multiple global locations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and the United Arab Emirates. MontaRosa's unique approach involves working closely with clients over extended periods, aligning their success metrics with those of their clients. This commitment to long-term partnerships and their extensive network of contacts positions them well within the executive search industry.


13. The Elliot Group

  • Website: theelliotgroup.com
  • Ownership type: Family Owned
  • Headquarters: Tarrytown, New York, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
  • Founded year: 1984
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: the-elliot-group

The Elliot Group, based in Tarrytown, New York, is a family-owned executive search firm founded in 1984. With a team of 11-50 employees, the firm specializes in recruiting for leadership roles across various sectors, including restaurant and hospitality, consumer and lifestyle, and franchising. The company prides itself on its deep understanding of the industries it serves, leveraging the extensive experience of its team members who have held senior roles in these fields. The Elliot Group is known for its commitment to fostering strong connections between businesses and qualified executives, helping organizations achieve their strategic goals. Their approach combines human insight with strategic planning, ensuring that they not only meet immediate hiring needs but also align with the long-term vision of their clients. The firm has built a reputation for integrity and reliability, making it a trusted partner for companies looking to enhance their leadership teams.


14. O'Neill Consulting, an Acertitude company

  • Website: oneillconsulting.com
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: oneillconsulting

O'Neill Consulting, an Acertitude company, is a retained executive search firm that specializes in talent solutions. Founded in 1996, the firm operates with a client-centered model, focusing on high-impact hiring that drives organizational success. With a team of around 31 professionals, O'Neill Consulting provides services such as executive search, talent mapping, and human capital solutions. They cater to a variety of sectors, including private equity, healthcare, and consumer goods, and have built a reputation for understanding client needs and delivering tailored solutions. The firm has been recognized for its growth, appearing on lists of fastest-growing companies and receiving accolades from industry publications. O'Neill Consulting is committed to professional excellence, as evidenced by its certification with the Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants, which emphasizes their dedication to high standards in the executive search profession.


15. Dore Partnership

  • Website: dorepartnership.com
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 63%, United Kingdom (UK) 37%
  • Founded year: 1997
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: dore-partnership

Dore Partnership is an executive search firm based in New York City, with additional offices in London and Hong Kong. Founded in 1997, the firm specializes in identifying and securing transformative talent for businesses across various sectors, particularly in private equity and investment management. With a team of industry and functional specialists, Dore Partnership employs a disciplined process to deliver high-quality search outcomes. They have successfully completed searches in over 70 cities worldwide, showcasing their global reach and expertise. The firm prides itself on its advisory services, which help clients achieve commercial success by finding impactful leaders. Dore Partnership also emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its search processes, actively working to broaden candidate pools and foster collaboration within teams.


16. Kenzer Group, LLC

  • Website: kenzer.com
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 50%, United Arab Emirates 50%
  • Founded year: 1973
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: kenzer-group-llc

Kenzer Group, LLC is an executive search firm based in New York City, established in 1973. The firm specializes in placing senior management and C-level executives across various industries. With a team of professionals who have held senior management roles themselves, Kenzer Group leverages their extensive experience to provide tailored recruitment and outplacement services. Their process emphasizes trust and a methodical approach, ensuring that client needs are prioritized throughout the search. The firm operates with a concierge-level service model, where senior-level search executives manage the entire process, enhancing the quality and timeliness of outcomes. Kenzer Group's commitment to understanding the intricacies of client organizations positions them as a significant player in the executive search industry.


17. Sterling Strand

  • Website: sterlingstrand.com
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
  • Founded year: 2020
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: sterling-strand

Sterling Strand is an executive search firm based in Highlands, NJ, specializing in talent acquisition and recruitment consulting. Founded in 2020, the firm employs data-driven strategies to help businesses identify and hire top leadership talent. Their clientele ranges from seed-stage startups to multi-billion dollar international companies, reflecting their ability to adapt to different organizational needs. The firm prides itself on a structured approach to hiring, which includes defining the hiring problem, designing assessments, and mapping the market for potential candidates. Sterling Strand's team is composed of former in-house talent leaders with extensive experience in building teams at high-growth companies. Their commitment to a methodical hiring process is underscored by their impressive metrics, such as an average time to fill of 93 days and a 0% failure rate in searches. This focus on quality and efficiency positions Sterling Strand as a relevant player in the executive search industry.


18. The Marymont Group

  • Website: marymont.com
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
  • Founded year: 1997
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: the-marymont-group_2

The Marymont Group, founded in 1997 and based in New York City, is a boutique executive search firm specializing in connecting exceptional leaders with organizations worldwide. With a dedicated team of 24 professionals, they focus on executive search and leadership advisory services, catering to a range of clients from multinational corporations to midsized businesses. The firm prides itself on its client-driven approach, which involves gaining a deep understanding of each client's unique culture and goals. This personalized service has led to a successful track record, with 1,762 positions filled and a notable 94% of placements remaining with their organizations after two years. Their expertise spans various industries, and they maintain global partnerships to enhance their search capabilities. The Marymont Group's commitment to excellence and relationship-building positions them as a significant player in the executive search industry.


19. CBK Partners

  • Website: cbkpartners.com
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 88%, Tunisia 12%
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: cbkpartners

CBK Partners is a talent advisory firm based in New York City, specializing in strategic executive search and advisory services. Established in 1999, the firm focuses on high-profile searches within the corporate finance ecosystem, collaborating with blue chip clients to enhance leadership and talent management. CBK Partners prides itself on its bespoke advisory services and deep competitive intelligence regarding the talent market and business landscape. The firm operates across various industries, providing tailored solutions that address the unique needs of its clients. With a strong emphasis on building long-term partnerships, CBK Partners has maintained one of the highest retention rates in the industry, reflecting its commitment to client satisfaction. The firm has been recognized as one of the top executive search firms in the U.S. specializing in corporate finance, and it has received accolades for its innovation and business impact. CBK Partners is also involved in philanthropy, supporting various organizations and initiatives that align with its mission of talent discovery and community engagement.



Executive Search Firms Insights: Key Companies in New York


CompanyHeadquarterSizeFoundedOwnership
Russell Reynolds AssociatesNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-50001969Corporate
BoydenTarrytown, New York, United States (USA)1001-50001946Family Owned
IIC PartnersNew York, New York, United States (USA)501-10001986Family Owned
OSIsearchNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-502020Private
AcertitudeNew York, New York, United States (USA)51-2002015Private
Kingsley GateNew York, New York, United States (USA)201-5002006Venture Capital
Battalia WinstonNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-501963Family Owned
August LeadershipNew York, New York, United States (USA)201-5002020Family Owned
bizWin Strategies - Business Intelligence, Strategy & Executive SearchBuffalo, New York, United States (USA)11-502014Private
The Talent BusinessNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-502007Private
Options GroupNew York, New York, United States (USA)201-5001992Private
MontaRosaNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-502008Private
The Elliot GroupTarrytown, New York, United States (USA)11-501984Family Owned
O'Neill Consulting, an Acertitude companyNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-501996Private
Dore PartnershipNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-501997Private
Kenzer Group, LLCNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-501973Private
Sterling StrandNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-502020Private
The Marymont GroupNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-501997Private
CBK PartnersNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-501999Private


Want to Find More Executive Search Firms Companies?

If you want to find more companies that offer executive search, leadership consulting, and talent assessment services you can do so with Inven. This list was built with Inven and there are hundreds of companies like these globally.

With Inven you'll also get to know the company's:

  • Detailed Ownership: Who owns the company? Is it a public or private company? What is the ownership structure?
  • Contact data: Who are the founders and CEO's? What are their emails and phone numbers?
  • Financials: How do these companies perform financially? What are their revenues and profit margins?

...and a lot more!