As cyber threats grow more sophisticated and regulatory demands intensify, organizations across every sector are competing for cybersecurity leadership capable of protecting critical infrastructure, safeguarding data, and managing enterprise-wide security strategy. The demand for Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), Vice Presidents of Security, Chief Risk Officers, and other cybersecurity executives continues to outpace supply, making the recruitment of seasoned security leaders one of the most challenging executive searches today. Because these roles require both deep technical expertise and strategic business acumen, many organizations turn to specialized executive search firms to identify leaders who can navigate complex threat landscapes and build resilient security organizations.
Below is Talentfoot’s 2026 evaluation of the best cybersecurity executive search firms operating nationwide across the United States. Rankings are based on cybersecurity specialization, documented executive placements, practice breadth, review quality, and online visibility.
Ranking Criteria & Scoring System
In January 2026, our research team conducted a comprehensive study of cybersecurity executive search firms operating nationwide across the United States. We evaluated 62 firms using the following weighted criteria:
- Cybersecurity Practice Specialization (25%) – Depth of expertise and dedicated focus within cybersecurity, information security, risk management, and data privacy leadership, verified through practice pages, thought leadership, and recruiter industry backgrounds.
- Documented Cybersecurity Executive Placements (20%) – Public verification of completed cybersecurity leadership placements through press releases, LinkedIn placement announcements, or client testimonials within the past three years.
- Executive-Level Focus (15%) – Demonstrated emphasis on C-suite and senior leadership roles such as CISO, Chief Risk Officer, VP of Information Security, and similar functions, verified through firm case studies and placement examples.
- Practice Breadth (15%) – Depth of services across multiple cybersecurity domains including application security, cloud security, threat intelligence, compliance, and governance, evaluated through published practice areas and team bios.
- Client Review Quality & Volume (15%) – Average review scores and total verified review count from Google, Glassdoor, and Clutch as of January 2026.
- Thought Leadership & Industry Visibility (10%) – Strength of online presence and thought leadership, including blog activity, media features, and firm credibility across digital channels.
Based on these weighted factors, we rank-ordered firms by their total algorithmic score. The table below presents the top-performing cybersecurity executive search firms, with detailed overviews of each firm following.
Top Cybersecurity Executive Search Firms in the US (2026)
Rank | Firm | Cybersecurity Industry Specialization(25 pts) | Documented Executive Placements (20 pts) | Executive Level Focus (15 pts) | Practice Breadth (15 pts) | Review Quality & Volume (15 pts) | Online Visibility & Reputation (10 pts) | Total Score (100 pts) |
1 | 25 | 19 | 15 | 15 | 12 | 8 | 94 | |
2 | Kingsley Gate | 21 | 17 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 84 |
3 | Diversified Search Group | 20 | 16 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 79 |
4 | ZRG Partners | 20 | 16 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 79 |
5 | Battalia Winston | 20 | 17 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 79 |
6 | Odgers | 19 | 15 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 76 |
7 | Frontline Source Group | 18 | 15 | 12 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 73 |
Firm Overviews
1. Talentfoot – For the Top-Rated Cybersecurity Executive Search Firm
Founded 2010 • Headquartered in Chicago with a National Reach
Talentfoot is a leading boutique executive search firm specializing in placing senior cybersecurity and technology leaders for mid-market, growth-stage, and investor-backed companies across the United States. The firm maintains a dedicated cybersecurity and technology practice focused on placing Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), Chief Risk Officers (CROs), VPs of Information Security, and cybersecurity directors for organizations operating in highly regulated and risk-sensitive environments, including technology, financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, and professional services sectors.
Talentfoot’s cybersecurity searches are built around a multi-stage, role-specific evaluation framework that combines technical assessment, behavioral evaluation, and cultural alignment to identify security leaders who deliver measurable risk reduction and business enablement. With partnerships spanning more than 2,500 organizations nationwide and a 98% client success rate, Talentfoot is trusted by companies navigating digital transformation, regulatory compliance, and cyber risk management. The firm serves clients across major markets including Chicago, Dallas, New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Boston, Seattle, Austin, and Minneapolis, with recruiters averaging over 15 years of specialized experience maintaining extensive networks across cybersecurity and technology leadership.
Summary of Online Reviews |
Talentfoot is consistently recognized for "understanding what actually matters in a security leader, not just checking boxes." Clients highlight the firm’s ability to "move quickly without sacrificing technical depth" and comment on how "the candidates presented to our team were credible with both technical teams and executive leadership." Multiple reviews emphasize that the Talentfoot team "felt like an extension of our internal security team after deeply understanding our security needs upfront." |
2. Kingsley Gate – For AI-Native Executive Search
Founded 2015 • Global Presence Across 40+ Countries
Kingsley Gate operates as an AI-native global executive search firm serving clients across technology, financial services, healthcare, and industrial sectors. The firm maintains cybersecurity and digital transformation capabilities, placing CISOs and technology executives for organizations requiring security leadership across multiple geographies with proprietary AI-powered search methodologies combined with human consultant expertise.
Summary of Online Reviews |
Kingsley Gate is recognized for its "technology-enabled search processes with global reach" and "strong executive networks." A few mention that "the AI-native approach may feel less personal than traditional boutique firms for some clients." |
3. Diversified Search Group – For Cross-Sector Cybersecurity Search
Founded 1974 • Headquartered in Philadelphia, PA
Diversified Search Group operates as an executive search and consulting firm serving corporate, nonprofit, education, healthcare, and social impact organizations. The firm maintains a cybersecurity and AI practice recruiting CISOs, security leaders, and technology executives across sectors with specialized capabilities in mission-driven and regulated industries.
Summary of Online Reviews |
Diversified Search Group is recognized for its "broad industry coverage and familiarity with regulated environments." Clients comment on "consultants' understanding of compliance and governance requirements." A few indicate that "the wide service portfolio can result in varying consultant expertise by practice area." |
4. ZRG Partners – For Data-Driven Cybersecurity Search
Founded 2001 • Headquartered in New Jersey
ZRG Partners is a global talent advisory firm with capabilities across executive search, on-demand talent, and consulting services. The firm maintains a digital and technology officers practice recruiting CISOs, CTOs, and cybersecurity executives for clients across consumer, private equity, technology, healthcare, and industrial sectors with data-driven search methodologies.
Summary of Online Reviews |
ZRG Partners is noted for its "data-driven approach and functional expertise." Some reviews mention that "the firm provides strategic talent consulting beyond search." A few reviewers indicate that "the broad service model can feel less hands-on at times." |
5. Battalia Winston – For Mid-Sized Executive Search
Founded 1970 • Headquartered in New York, NY
Battalia Winston is an executive search firm with over 50 years of experience serving clients from early-stage companies to Fortune 500 organizations. The firm maintains technology and cybersecurity capabilities through its CIO and technology leadership practice, recruiting senior executives across multiple functional areas and industries nationwide.
Summary of Online Reviews |
Battalia Winston is noted for having "experienced consultants and established client relationships." Some reviews indicate that "partner involvement is consistent throughout searches." A few reviewers mention that "the firm serves primarily mid-market and enterprise clients which may not suit early-stage startups." |
6. Odgers – For International Cybersecurity Search
Founded 1964 • Headquartered in London, UK
Odgers is a global executive search firm with offices across more than 30 countries, recruiting C-suite executives and board members for organizations across technology, financial services, healthcare, and industrial sectors. The firm maintains a cybersecurity and digital transformation practice serving multinational corporations requiring security leadership across geographies.
Summary of Online Reviews |
Odgers is described as "experienced with international reach." Some reviews mention appreciating that "the firm serves enterprise clients across regions." A few mention that "global structure can result in varying service delivery depending on office location and consultant." |
7. Frontline Source Group – For IT and Cybersecurity Staffing
Founded 2004 • Headquartered in Dallas, TX
Frontline Source Group operates as a staffing agency and executive search firm with capabilities across IT, technology, and cybersecurity roles. The firm places cybersecurity professionals at multiple levels including executive, management, and individual contributor positions across industries with a focus on direct hire and contract placements.
Summary of Online Reviews |
Frontline Source Group is recognized for "responsive service and broad staffing capabilities." Some reviewers note that "the firm handles high-volume placements efficiently." A few indicate that "the generalist staffing model may limit depth in specialized cybersecurity executive searches." |
Top Cybersecurity Executive Search Firms in the U.S. by Specialty
We also broke down the top cybersecurity executive search firms into three subcategories based on specialty.
Top Cybersecurity Executive Search Firms for Technology & SaaS Companies
Rank | Firm Name | Key Strength |
1 | Talentfoot | Specialized expertise placing CISOs, Chief Risk Officers, and VPs of Information Security for SaaS, fintech, and technology companies nationwide. |
2 | Kingsley Gate | AI-native search platform with cybersecurity leadership placements for enterprise software and digital transformation organizations. |
3 | ZRG Partners | Data-driven approach with technology practice placing cybersecurity executives for venture-backed and growth-stage companies. |
Top Cybersecurity Executive Search Firms for Financial Services & Healthcare
Rank | Firm Name | Key Strength |
1 | Talentfoot | Proven track record placing cybersecurity executives for financial services, healthcare, and highly regulated industries requiring compliance and risk management expertise. |
2 | Diversified Search Group | Cross-sector capabilities with experience recruiting security leaders for healthcare, financial services, and regulated organizations. |
3 | Odgers | International reach supporting financial services and healthcare clients requiring cybersecurity leadership across multiple markets. |
Top Cybersecurity Executive Search Firms for Enterprise & Global Organizations
Rank | Firm Name | Key Strength |
1 | Battalia Winston | Established executive search practice with experience placing technology and cybersecurity leaders for Fortune 500 organizations. |
2 | Talentfoot | Growing enterprise practice placing cybersecurity executives for mid-market companies scaling security operations and governance programs. |
3 | Odgers | Global platform supporting multinational corporations requiring cybersecurity leadership across regions and business units. |
This ranking of the top cybersecurity executive search firms in the U.S. 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. For more information on Talentfoot’s executive search services across Technology, Cybersecurity, and IT Leadership, please read here.
