Executive search firms in Texas play a crucial role in connecting businesses with top-level talent. This industry focuses on identifying and recruiting executives for various organizations, primarily targeting C-suite positions. Operating at the intersection of HR and strategic consulting, these firms understand specific industry needs, offering tailored recruitment solutions. Trends indicate an increasing demand for specialized searches, particularly in tech and healthcare, as companies seek to adapt to evolving markets. As more firms emphasize cultural fit alongside skills, the executive search landscape will continue to shift, balancing speed with precision in matching candidates with organizations.


The companies on this list vary in size, with most employing fewer than 200 professionals. Headquartered throughout Texas, including cities like Austin, Dallas, and Houston, these firms have been established since the 1970s to 2010. Their specialties range from healthcare and financial services to technology and executive coaching, showcasing the targeted expertise available within the state. Each firm provides unique approaches to talent acquisition, establishing their distinct niches in the competitive recruitment market.


Continue reading to discover the top executive search firms in Texas.


Top 21 Executive Search Firms Companies in Texas


1. Stanton Chase: Executive Search & Leadership Consultants

  • Website: stantonchase.com
  • Ownership type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Austin, Texas, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 18%, Germany 17%, India 9%, Other 57%
  • Latest funding: December 2019
  • Founded year: 1990
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • LinkedIn: stanton-chase-international

Stanton Chase: Executive Search & Leadership Consultants is a corporate firm based in Austin, Texas, founded in 1990. With a workforce of approximately 805 employees, the company specializes in providing tailored leadership solutions to organizations across various industries. Their services include executive search, assessment, onboarding, and succession planning, aimed at helping clients improve their talent acquisition and management processes. Stanton Chase operates globally, with a significant presence in the United States, Germany, India, and the United Arab Emirates, among other countries. The firm prides itself on its commitment to understanding the unique needs of each client, ensuring that their solutions align with organizational goals. They have successfully placed around 300 CEOs and board members annually, showcasing their expertise in identifying and securing top leadership talent. Stanton Chase is also a proud member of the Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC), which underscores their commitment to maintaining high standards in the executive search industry.


2. Kaye/Bassman International

  • Website: kbic.com
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: Plano, Texas, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 97%, Other 3%
  • Founded year: 1981
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn: kayebassman-international

Kaye/Bassman International, founded in 1981 and based in Plano, Texas, is an executive search firm that specializes in recruiting high-impact talent across multiple industries. With a workforce of around 180 employees, the firm has developed a strong reputation for its tailored recruitment solutions aimed at enhancing leadership teams. Their Client Focused Search™ methodology is designed to strategically identify and acquire top candidates, ensuring that client needs are met with precision. Kaye/Bassman has been recognized as a top search firm, ranking among the top 10 U.S. search firms and noted as the largest single-site search firm in the country. Their expertise spans various sectors, including healthcare, financial services, and life sciences, showcasing their ability to adapt to the specific needs of different industries. The firm has also been acknowledged for its commitment to continuous improvement and client satisfaction, making it a significant player in the executive search industry.


3. Executive Career Consultants, LP


Executive Career Consultants, LP, known as Pearson Partners International, is a private executive search firm based in Dallas, Texas, founded in 2004. The firm specializes in leadership consulting, offering services such as retained executive search, management assessment, and executive coaching. They primarily serve Fortune 1000 companies, private equity firms, and newly formed ventures, focusing on identifying and developing top executive talent. Pearson Partners is a member of IIC Partners, a global network of executive search firms, which allows them to leverage a broad reach and expertise in various markets. Their work is characterized by a thorough understanding of client needs and a commitment to delivering high-quality candidates. The firm has been recognized by Forbes as one of America's Best Executive Recruiting Firms and has been ranked among the top executive search firms in the Americas by Hunt Scanlon. This recognition reflects their active involvement and relevance in the executive search industry.


4. Alder Koten | IMD

  • Website: alderkoten.com
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: The Woodlands, Texas, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: Mexico 71%, United States (USA) 29%
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: alder-koten

Alder Koten | IMD is an executive search firm based in The Woodlands, Texas, founded in 2011. With a team of 24 employees, the firm specializes in recruitment, consulting, and career services. They assist organizations in finding and recruiting high-impact leaders while also providing coaching and support for individuals navigating career transitions. Alder Koten serves a variety of industries, including technology, financial services, and healthcare, ensuring a tailored approach to meet the unique needs of their clients. The firm has established a strong presence in Mexico, with 71% of its workforce located there, and maintains offices in major cities such as Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Mexico City. Their commitment to understanding local cultures and corporate values allows them to design services that resonate with both clients and candidates. Alder Koten's executive search services are characterized by a rigorous methodology that assesses candidates based on skills, experience, and cultural fit, ensuring that organizations are equipped with the right talent to drive growth and innovation.


5. Talent Logic Inc.

  • Website: talentlogic.com
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: Houston, Texas, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 69%, India 31%
  • Founded year: 1984
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • LinkedIn: talent-logic-inc

Talent Logic Inc. is an executive search firm based in Houston, Texas, with a history dating back to 1984. The company specializes in recruitment and leadership development, offering services such as executive search, direct hire, and team building. They cater to a wide range of industries, helping organizations identify and recruit top executive talent to drive their success. With a workforce of approximately 220 employees, Talent Logic has a significant presence in the U.S. market, complemented by a team in India. Their approach involves a deep understanding of client needs, ensuring that they provide tailored solutions that address specific challenges. Over the years, Talent Logic has built a reputation for its commitment to excellence and innovation in recruitment processes, making it a notable player in the executive search industry.


6. Beecher Reagan


Beecher Reagan is an executive search firm based in Houston, Texas, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in retained search and leadership acceleration, focusing on sectors such as Consulting, Private Equity, and Digital Technology. With a team of experienced professionals, Beecher Reagan connects transformational leaders with firms aiming for rapid growth and sustained results. They leverage a formidable network and decades of industry expertise to guide clients in selecting and accelerating leadership talent. The firm has successfully placed over 900 leaders since its inception, showcasing its capability in the executive search space. Their services also include leadership assessment and consulting, which further enhances their value proposition in the industry.


7. Arth Consulting - An Executive Search Firm

  • Website: arthitc.com
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: Austin, Texas, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 94%, India 6%
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: arth-consulting

Arth Consulting is an executive search firm based in Austin, Texas, established in 2010. With a team of 47 professionals, the firm specializes in recruitment services tailored for the consulting sector. They focus on identifying and hiring executive talent, which is crucial for businesses aiming to enhance their competitiveness and drive success. Arth Consulting prides itself on its ability to analyze an organization's critical business needs and propose innovative, cost-effective hiring solutions. Their approach is characterized by a commitment to quality, efficiency, and a deep understanding of the industries they serve. The firm has successfully placed hundreds of executives each year, demonstrating their capability in matching high-caliber candidates with the right opportunities. Their client base includes global top-tier consulting firms, showcasing their relevance and expertise in the executive search market.


8. BFL Associates LTD

  • Website: bflassociates.com
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: Houston, Texas, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1970
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • LinkedIn: bfl-associates

BFL Associates LTD, based in Houston, Texas, is a consulting firm that has been operational since 1970. The firm specializes in executive search and strategic business services, assisting clients in various industries, including healthcare and corporate management, to find executive talent. BFL Associates is known for its comprehensive approach, which not only focuses on recruitment but also includes consulting on employee retention, compensation analysis, and long-term business planning. Their extensive networks and intelligence-gathering capabilities allow them to uncover business opportunities for clients, often leading to successful placements and strategic partnerships. The firm has a small team, with 1-10 employees, which enables a personalized approach to client needs. Despite not having reported any funding, BFL Associates has maintained a steady presence in the executive search industry for over five decades, showcasing their commitment and expertise in the field.


9. Vida Group International

  • Website: vidagroupintl.com
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: Austin, Texas, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 77%, Peru 6%, United Kingdom (UK) 6%, Other 12%
  • Founded year: 1982
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn: vida-group-international

Vida Group International, founded in 1982 and based in Austin, Texas, is a recruitment agency that specializes in connecting businesses with high-impact talent across a variety of industries. With a team of 154 employees, the firm focuses on executive search and board advisory services, aiming to understand the unique needs of each client. Their clientele includes Fortune 500 companies and SMEs, reflecting their capability to cater to a broad spectrum of businesses. Vida Group has developed a robust process for candidate identification and assessment, ensuring that they present well-qualified candidates efficiently. They also prioritize diversity in their recruitment strategies, being a minority-owned firm that actively seeks to include diverse candidates in their searches. Their extensive experience and established networks allow them to support clients in various sectors, including industrial, automotive, life sciences, and clean technology, making them a significant player in the executive search industry.


10. Chartwell Partners

  • Website: chartwellpartners.com
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: Dallas, Texas, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: chartwell-partners

Chartwell Partners is a private executive search firm based in Dallas, Texas, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in identifying and recruiting senior executives and board members across four key industries: biopharmaceuticals, healthcare services, financial services, and real estate. With a dedicated team of professionals, Chartwell Partners emphasizes a client-focused approach, leveraging extensive industry knowledge to deliver exceptional leadership solutions. Their services include executive search, board services, and leadership advisory, tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. The firm prides itself on its high placement retention rate and the significant percentage of repeat clients, reflecting their commitment to building lasting relationships and delivering results. Chartwell Partners operates from multiple locations, including Atlanta, New York City, Philadelphia, San Antonio, and Seattle, enhancing their reach and ability to serve clients across the United States.


11. The Jacob Group

  • Website: jacobgroup.com
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: Mckinney, Texas, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
  • Founded year: 1992
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: the-jacob-group

The Jacob Group, based in McKinney, Texas, is an executive search firm that specializes in recruitment services across multiple industries, including consumer retail and life sciences. Founded in 1992, the firm has developed a robust network and deep industry knowledge, allowing them to effectively source high-quality talent for leadership positions. Over the years, The Jacob Group has partnered with numerous prominent corporations, assisting over 40% of the Fortune 250 in their talent acquisition efforts. Their practice groups are strategically structured, with consultants who possess strong industry backgrounds and years of recruiting experience. The firm prides itself on its direct sourcing methodology, focusing on engaging passive candidates who are typically high performers in their current roles. This approach, combined with their commitment to client satisfaction, positions The Jacob Group as a notable player in the executive search industry.


12. The Alexander Group, Executive Search

  • Website: thealexandergroup.com
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: Houston, Texas, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
  • Founded year: 1983
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: the-alexander-group_3

The Alexander Group, Executive Search, based in Houston, Texas, is an executive search firm that has been operational since 1983. With a team of approximately 41 employees, the firm specializes in recruiting top talent across various sectors, including Life Sciences, Energy, and Financial Services. Their services extend beyond traditional executive search to include board search and consulting, aimed at enhancing leadership teams for their clients. The firm prides itself on building long-term relationships, which allows them to gain a deep understanding of their clients' needs and organizational culture. This approach has led to a high rate of repeat business, indicating strong client satisfaction. The Alexander Group has conducted over 4,000 searches, showcasing their extensive experience in the field. They also emphasize the importance of diversity in leadership, actively seeking candidates who can bring different perspectives to the table. Their commitment to client service and thorough research capabilities positions them as a significant player in the executive search industry.


13. Manhattan Resources

  • Website: manhattanresources.com
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: Houston, Texas, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: manhattan-resources

Manhattan Resources, based in Houston, Texas, is an executive recruiting firm established in 1999. With a team of approximately 29 employees, the company specializes in talent acquisition and advisory services across various industries, including oil and gas, finance, manufacturing, and engineering. They offer a range of services, including executive search, interim staffing, and business consulting, aimed at addressing complex challenges in leadership and team building. Manhattan Resources prides itself on its ability to understand client needs, ensuring that their solutions are tailored to meet specific organizational requirements. Their extensive experience in the industry allows them to navigate the intricacies of different sectors effectively, making them a valuable partner for businesses seeking to enhance their leadership teams.


14. Pailin Group Professional Search Consultants

  • Website: pailingroup.com
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: Dallas, Texas, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
  • Founded year: 1989
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: pailin-group-psc

Pailin Group Professional Search Consultants, based in Dallas, Texas, is an executive search firm that has been operational since 1989. The company specializes in connecting organizations with high-caliber talent across various sectors, including healthcare, legal, and engineering. They offer a range of services, including background checks and candidate consulting, aimed at efficiently meeting the recruitment needs of their clients. Pailin Group prides itself on its extensive candidate database, which includes seasoned professionals with relevant industry experience. The firm has been recognized for its commitment to diversity in recruitment, positioning itself as a trusted partner for organizations looking to enhance their workforce. Over the years, Pailin Group has built a reputation for delivering quality service and has been acknowledged as one of the most respected executive search vendors in the industry. Their consultants leverage a national network to fulfill challenging talent acquisition needs, ensuring that they remain relevant in a competitive marketplace.


15. Calibrate

  • Website: calibrate-strategies.com
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: Austin, Texas, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: calibratelegal

Calibrate Consulting, Inc., founded in 2011 and based in Austin, Texas, is a consulting firm that specializes in executive search and talent management services tailored for law firms and business service professionals. With a team of experienced advisers, Calibrate aims to optimize organizational performance by strategically placing top-tier talent and providing leadership advisory services. Their services include filling critical roles such as C-Suite executives, marketing and business development professionals, and talent management specialists. Calibrate also emphasizes the importance of inclusion and diversity within the legal services sector, conducting research to understand and improve these areas among business service professionals. Their commitment to enhancing the operational effectiveness of law firms positions them as a valuable partner in the executive search space.


16. Starfish Partners

  • Website: starfishpartners.com
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: Plano, Texas, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
  • Founded year: 2020
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn: starfishpartners

Starfish Partners, based in Plano, Texas, is a recruiting firm that specializes in executive search and staffing solutions. Founded in 2020, the company operates with a focus on enhancing talent acquisition for businesses across various industries, particularly in healthcare and technology. Starfish Partners has developed a unique model that emphasizes collaboration among a family of companies, allowing them to provide comprehensive recruiting services. They have made significant strides in the industry by acquiring established firms like Direct Recruiters, Kaye/Bassman International, and INNOVA People, which broadens their reach and expertise. This strategic approach not only strengthens their service offerings but also positions them as a notable entity in the executive search market.


17. Encore Search Partners, LLC

  • Website: encoresearch.com
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: Houston, Texas, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
  • Founded year: 2013
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: encoresearch

Encore Search Partners, LLC, based in Houston, Texas, is a recruiting firm that specializes in executive search and talent acquisition services. Founded in 2013 by Jeremy Jenson, the firm has carved out a niche in connecting businesses with top-tier professional and technical talent. Their focus spans several industries, including Financial Services, Legal, Energy, Manufacturing, and Technology. Encore employs a data-driven methodology to enhance the recruitment process, ensuring that clients receive candidates who not only meet the technical requirements but also fit the organizational culture. The firm prides itself on its high submittal-to-interview and fill ratios, reflecting its effectiveness in the competitive landscape of executive search. With a team of industry-specific experts, Encore Search Partners aims to deliver customized recruiting solutions that align with the unique needs of each client.


18. Professional Search, Inc. Int'l.


Professional Search, Inc. Int'l, based in Amarillo, Texas, has been a player in the executive recruiting field since its founding in 1978. The firm specializes in providing recruitment and placement services across a variety of industries, including accounting, engineering, healthcare, and more. With a focus on confidentiality and discretion, they cater to both businesses and candidates, ensuring a tailored approach to each search. The company operates on both contingent and retained search bases, which allows them to adapt to the specific needs of their clients. Over the years, they have successfully placed more than 3,000 professionals, demonstrating their capability and commitment to connecting organizations with top-tier talent. Their team, led by experienced professionals, collaborates closely with HR departments and hiring managers to ensure alignment with client needs. As they continue to serve both national and international clients, Professional Search, Inc. Int'l remains a relevant and active player in the executive search industry.


19. D. Hilton Associates, Inc.

  • Website: dhilton.com
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: The Woodlands, Texas, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: d-hilton-associates

D. Hilton Associates, Inc., based in The Woodlands, Texas, has been a player in the consulting field since its founding in 1985. The firm specializes in the financial services industry, providing a range of services that include executive recruiting, compensation planning, and strategic consulting. Their focus is on helping financial institutions attract and retain top talent, which is crucial for enhancing leadership and operational effectiveness. D. Hilton has successfully completed numerous executive searches, demonstrating their capability to match candidates with the specific needs of their clients. Their clientele primarily consists of banks and credit unions, which rely on D. Hilton's expertise to navigate the complexities of hiring in a competitive market. The firm also offers additional services such as retention and retirement planning, further solidifying their role as a trusted advisor in the financial sector.


20. Linked Executive Search

  • Website: linkedexec.com
  • Ownership type: Family Owned
  • Headquarters: Dallas, Texas, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 73%, Pakistan 27%
  • Founded year: 2008
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • LinkedIn: linked-executive-search

Linked Executive Search, based in Dallas, Texas, is an executive search firm that specializes in filling hard-to-fill positions for businesses across various sectors. Established in 2008, the firm has developed a reputation for delivering exceptional candidates efficiently. Their services include retained executive search, outplacement services, and professional development through speaking engagements. The firm operates with a client-friendly model, leveraging extensive networks to ensure a personalized approach to each search. With a team that boasts over 50 years of combined management experience, Linked Executive Search has successfully filled numerous executive-level positions, earning a client return rate exceeding 90%. Their recognition by Forbes as one of America's Best Executive Recruiting Firms in 2022, ranking 9th in the nation and 1st in Texas, highlights their effectiveness and relevance in the executive search industry. The firm’s commitment to understanding the unique needs of each client and their focus on cultural fit further enhance their standing in the market.


21. River Walk Executive Search


River Walk Executive Search, founded in 2010 and based in San Antonio, Texas, is an executive search firm that specializes in the manufacturing sector. With a small team of dedicated professionals, the firm prides itself on its deep industry knowledge and commitment to finding the right fit for leadership roles. Their services include various recruitment solutions, personality assessments, and relocation assistance, all designed to meet the specific needs of their clients. River Walk Executive Search operates under the belief that successful placements require a thorough understanding of both the client’s culture and the candidates' capabilities. Their partnership with the MRI Network allows them to leverage a global network of resources, enhancing their ability to source top talent. The firm has a track record of successfully matching executives with companies ranging from small businesses to Fortune 500 firms, demonstrating their capability in the executive search arena.



Executive Search Firms Insights: Key Companies in Texas


CompanyHeadquarterSizeFoundedOwnership
Stanton Chase: Executive Search & Leadership ConsultantsAustin, Texas, United States (USA)501-10001990Corporate
Kaye/Bassman InternationalPlano, Texas, United States (USA)51-2001981Private
Executive Career Consultants, LPDallas, Texas, United States (USA)1-102004Private
Alder Koten | IMDThe Woodlands, Texas, United States (USA)11-502011Private
Talent Logic Inc.Houston, Texas, United States (USA)201-5001984Private
Beecher ReaganHouston, Texas, United States (USA)11-502009Private
Arth Consulting - An Executive Search FirmAustin, Texas, United States (USA)11-502010Private
BFL Associates LTDHouston, Texas, United States (USA)1-101970Private
Vida Group InternationalAustin, Texas, United States (USA)51-2001982Private
Chartwell PartnersDallas, Texas, United States (USA)11-502005Private
The Jacob GroupMckinney, Texas, United States (USA)11-501992Private
The Alexander Group, Executive SearchHouston, Texas, United States (USA)11-501983Private
Manhattan ResourcesHouston, Texas, United States (USA)11-501999Private
Pailin Group Professional Search ConsultantsDallas, Texas, United States (USA)11-501989Private
CalibrateAustin, Texas, United States (USA)11-502011Private
Starfish PartnersPlano, Texas, United States (USA)51-2002020Private
Encore Search Partners, LLCHouston, Texas, United States (USA)11-502013Private
Professional Search, Inc. Int'l.Amarillo, Texas, United States (USA)1-101978Private
D. Hilton Associates, Inc.The Woodlands, Texas, United States (USA)11-501985Private
Linked Executive SearchDallas, Texas, United States (USA)1-102008Family Owned
River Walk Executive SearchSan Antonio, Texas, United States (USA)1-102010Private


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