To help organizations hire senior executives in Austin, Talentfoot reviewed executive search firms with documented experience placing leaders across the region. Each firm was assessed against objective, verifiable benchmarks and given a total score out of 100.
This analysis of the leading executive search firms and executive recruiters in Austin focuses specifically on firms that recruit executive sales, marketing, technology, and accounting & finance roles such as CROs, CMOs, CTOs, CAIO, and other C-suite members.
Ranking Criteria & Scoring System
- Role Practice Depth (40 pts) – Evidence of a dedicated sales, marketing, technology, and accounting & finance practice (service pages, named practices, team bios).
- Documented Executive Placements (15 pts) – Public case studies, role announcements, or LinkedIn placement evidence for executives placed.
- Executive-Level Focus (15 pts) – Demonstrated emphasis on C-suite and VP-level roles (e.g., Chief Sales Officer, CMO, CTO, CFO, etc.).
- Vetting Rigor (10 pts) – Number of screening steps used (psychometrics, leadership assessments, cultural fit, structured interview process). Counted from firm websites and process documentation.
- Client & Employee Reviews (15 pts) – Average rating and volume of online reviews (Google, Glassdoor, Clutch, etc.).
- Thought Leadership (5 pts) – Breadth of content covering executive hiring and leadership insights (blogs, eBooks, events, webinars, etc.).
2025 Rankings: Top Executive Search Firms in Austin
Rank | Firm Name | Role Depth | Documented Executive Placements | Executive-Level Focus | Vetting Rigor | Client Reviews | Thought Leadership | Total Score |
1 | 40 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 13 | 5 | 94 | |
2 | 40 | 10 | 15 | 8 | 11 | 5 | 89 | |
3 | 35 | 10 | 12 | 10 | 12 | 3 | 82 | |
4 | 33 | 10 | 15 | 8 | 10 | 3 | 79 | |
5 | 30 | 10 | 13 | 7 | 10 | 3 | 73 | |
6 | 10 | 10 | 4 | 8 | 11 | 1 | 44 |
FIRM OVERVIEWS
1. Talentfoot Executive Search
Founded 2010 • National Reach with a Austin Expertise
Talentfoot is recognized as a leader in executive search with dedicated practices spanning Sales, Marketing, Accounting & Finance, and Technology & AI, with specific local expertise in the Austin market. Their network includes thousands of vetted executives across artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, product innovation, and revenue-driving leadership roles. The firm applies a rigorous approach that includes technical evaluations, cultural assessments, and multi-stage interviews to secure lasting placements – with more than 2500+ companies served and an industry leading 98% client success rate. Talentfoot’s expertise has been featured in Forbes HR, the Wall Street Journal, CIO.com, CEO Magazine, and other leading business publications, underscoring its reputation as a trusted authority in executive hiring.
Summary of Online Reviews
Talentfoot is praised for “thoroughly understanding complex roles and our company’s goals” and being described as “solution-oriented and very responsive.” Clients consistently highlight the team’s ability to move searches forward efficiently, positioning them as a long-term partner for executive hiring across multiple functions.
2. Cowen Partners Austin
Founded 2015 (Vancouver, WA) • National Reach with a Local Touch
Cowen Partners operates as a partner-led retained executive search firm delivering high-impact placements primarily across C-suite and senior leadership roles. While headquartered in Vancouver, WA, their model extends nationally (including Austin) through a blend of deep networks, senior-partner oversight, and an emphasis on speed, confidentiality, and cultural fit. The firm touts key metrics such as a 99 % retention rate, typical completion of candidate presentation in ~38 days, and a 365-day replacement guarantee.
Summary of Online Reviews
Clients frequently highlight Cowen Partners’ sense of urgency and personalized service. One reviewer notes the firm “executed a search faster than we expected,” while another emphasizes its ability to “deliver C-suite candidates who really understood our culture.”
3. The HT Group
Founded 2001; Headquarters: Austin, TX
The HT Group is a full-spectrum staffing, recruiting, and management consulting firm that includes an executive search (retained and direct hire) practice alongside its staffing, technical recruiting, and consulting divisions. The firm positions itself as a “big enough to tackle any human capital problem but small enough to deliver personalized service,” and emphasizes values such as integrity, urgency, and deep relational work with both clients and candidates.
Summary of Online Reviews
Client satisfaction metrics for The HT Group are strong in the staffing/recruiting domain: they hold a 4.9/5.0 overall client rating (based on ~70+ reviews) via ClearlyRated’s “Best of Staffing,” and a 4.6/5.0 rating from talent (candidates) in the same survey.
4. The Adkins Group
Founded 2000; Headquarters: Austin, TX
The Adkins Group is an Austin-based executive search and recruitment firm that partners with both established and startup companies across the U.S. to fill key roles from senior management to executive level. With more than 20 years of experience, the firm emphasizes a contained, performance-based methodology, offering services such as executive search, key-hire recruitment (for niche, time-sensitive roles), targeted sourcing projects, and contract recruiting.
Summary of Online Reviews
Client testimonials on the firm’s site commend The Adkins Group for integrity, follow-through, and depth of candidate quality. One client describes Jeff (a lead consultant) as “one of the most professional, ethical, and results oriented people I’ve worked with,” and notes entrusting him with the full executive recruiting function at past companies.
5. GoodCitizen
Founded mid-2010s (Austin, TX) • Focused on mission-driven organizations
GoodCitizen is a boutique executive search and leadership advisory firm that concentrates on placing senior talent in the nonprofit, foundation, social enterprise, and ESG/impact sectors. Operating out of Austin, the firm brands itself as a “go-to” resource for mission-aligned recruitment, particularly for organizations that require both technical competence and deep values alignment. Beyond classical search, GoodCitizen offers leadership advisory services—such as governance support, succession planning, and organizational capacity strengthening—to help nonprofits scale sustainably.
Summary of Online Reviews
Public client feedback for GoodCitizen is modest but telling. Their own website features case studies and testimonials praising their attentiveness, mission sensitivity, and ability to bring forward “leaders who resonate with our values, not just with the job description.”
6. Hill Country Search Advisors
Founded ~2013; Austin, TX (with national reach for finance/accounting roles)
Hill Country Search Advisors is a boutique executive search and recruitment firm based in Austin, Texas, that specializes in accounting, finance, and administrative leadership roles. Over more than a decade, the firm has placed 850+ permanent professionals across levels from staff to CFO and VP. They also offer interim and contract-to-hire staffing solutions.
Summary of Online Reviews
Hill Country Search Advisors’ testimonials highlight the firm’s responsiveness, process discipline, and ability to deliver strong cultural fits. From one client: “We had two critical Accounting positions open … Ariana & Spencer … provided top candidates … very efficiently … perfect fit … seamless transition … exceeded expectations.” Other clients praise the firm’s blend of technical recruiting strength and cultural finesse.
Top Executive Search Firms in Austin by Role
What are the Top Sales Executive Search Firms in Austin?
Rank | Firm Name | Notable Clients/Focus |
1 | Sales specific practice with dedicated sales recruiting teams focused on helping companies hire Chief Revenue Officers, Chief Sales Officers, and VPs of Sales | |
2 | B2B sales recruiters specialize in finding and placing highly qualified talent with an established history of getting results, with Fortune 1000 C-Suite contacts, and a track record of generating millions in revenue. | |
3 | Full cycle of sales and marketing leadership roles filled . |
What are the Top Marketing Executive Search Firms in Austin?
Rank | Firm Name | Notable Clients/Focus |
1 | Specializes in helping clients with urgent and confidential CMO & VP Marketing searches, and organizations looking to scale up and refresh their GTM strategy. | |
2 | Cowen's marketing executive recruiters provide talent for every role from Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) to Chief Growth Officer (CGO) | |
3 | The Adkins Group fills key roles including Chief Marketing Officer, Chief Product Officer, and VP of Marketing. |
Sources:
- Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/lists/best-executive-recruiting-firms/
- BuiltIn Austin: https://www.builtinaustin.com/articles/23-austin-recruiting-firms-and-staffing-agencies-finding-right-fit
- The University of Texas: https://businesscontracts.utexas.edu/executive-search-firms-contact-information
- Google My Business: https://business.google.com/
*This ranking of the top executive search firms in Austin is derived from publicly available information and independent third-party research. It is provided for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as formal recruitment guidance or professional advice.