Chicago remains one of the nation’s most competitive markets for executive talent. To help organizations find the right recruitment partner, Talentfoot evaluated the top executive search firms in Chicago with a proven track record of placing senior leaders.
Each firm was assessed on measurable factors, including practice depth, verified executive placements, and regional expertise. Scores were combined into a total out of 100 to identify the top executive search firms in Chicago.
Ranking Criteria & Scoring System
- Chicago Market Expertise (25 pts) – Evidence of a dedicated local presence, client base, or practice specialization within the Chicago area. (Verified through firm headquarters, regional pages, and placement examples.)
- Documented Executive Placements (20 pts) – Public case studies, press releases, or LinkedIn evidence of executive placements across key industries within the past three years.
- Executive-Level Focus (15 pts) – Demonstrated emphasis on C-suite and senior leadership roles such as CRO, CMO, CFO, CTO, and similar functions. (Verified through firm case studies and placement examples.)
- Practice Breadth (15 pts) – Depth of services across multiple executive functions, including sales, marketing, technology, and finance. (Evaluated through published practice areas and team bios.)
- Review Quality & Volume (15 pts) – Average client review score and total verified review count from Google, Glassdoor, and Clutch as of October 2025.
- Online Visibility & Reputation (10 pts) – Strength of online presence and thought leadership, including blog activity, media features, and firm credibility across digital channels.
2025 Rankings: Top Executive Search Firms in Chicago
Rank | Firm | Chicago Marketplace Expertise (25 points) | 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 |
1 | 25 | 18 | 15 | 15 | 12 | 9 | 94 | |
2 | 23 | 16 | 14 | 14 | 8 | 8 | 83 | |
3 | 22 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 82 | |
4 | 20 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 8 | 80 | |
5 | 21 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 7 | 79 | |
6 | 19 | 15 | 15 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 77 | |
7 | 18 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 13 | 7 | 76 |
Firm Overviews
1. Talentfoot Executive Search
Founded 2010 • Headquartered in Chicago with a National Reach
Talentfoot is a premier executive search firm with established practices spanning Sales, Marketing, Technology, AI and Accounting & Finance with deep expertise in the Chicago market. The firm connects organizations with proven C-suite and senior leaders across industries including SaaS, financial services, professional services, and manufacturing. Its structured, multi-stage search process combines technical and cultural assessments to deliver leaders who create lasting business impact. Talentfoot has partnered with more than 2,500 organizations nationwide and maintains a 98% client success rate, underscoring its reputation as a trusted advisor in executive hiring.
| Summary of Online Reviews |
| Talentfoot is praised for “its responsiveness, strategic insight, and ability to identify leaders who align with long-term organizational goals.” Clients highlight the firm takes a “personalized approach to each of its clients” and has a “strong understanding of the Chicago talent landscape.” |
2. DHR Global – For Global Reach with Chicago Roots
Founded 1989 • Headquartered in Chicago, IL
DHR Global combines local presence with international scale, operating offices in more than 20 countries. The firm recruits senior executives and board members across diverse industries, giving it strong versatility. While DHR’s reach benefits multinational clients, its size can make the experience feel less tailored for smaller or mid-market organizations seeking closer collaboration.
| Summary of Online Reviews |
| DHR Global is commended for “its professionalism and extensive global network.” Some reviewers note, “its larger structure can limit the level of personal attention smaller clients expect.” |
3. Slayton Search Partners – For Longstanding Midwest Relationships
Founded 1980 • Headquartered in Chicago, IL
Slayton Search Partners brings more than four decades of experience to executive recruiting across consumer, financial, and industrial sectors. Its consultative approach and reputation for lasting client partnerships make it a strong choice for established companies. However, its focus leans toward traditional industries, which may not fit organizations in emerging tech or digital markets.
| Summary of Online Reviews |
| Slayton Search Partners is recognized for “dependable communication and professionalism throughout the hiring process.” A few reviewers mention that it takes an “old-school approach” that can feel less agile for fast-scaling companies. |
4. Comhar Partners – For a Boutique, Partner-Led Search Experience
Founded 2019 • Office in Chicago, IL
Comhar Partners offers a collaborative, mid-sized search model that allows senior partners to stay involved throughout each engagement. The firm serves clients in technology, private equity, and professional services. While its personalized service appeals to growing firms, its smaller size can limit bandwidth for multiple simultaneous or large-scale searches.
| Summary of Online Reviews |
| Comhar Partners is highlighted for “its accessibility, hands-on service, and responsiveness.” Reviews also flag its lean structure can “occasionally extend timelines on more complex searches.” |
5. Kensington International – For Leadership Services & Private Equity Focus
Founded 1989 • Headquartered in Oak Brook, IL
Kensington International blends executive search with leadership development and outplacement support, offering clients a comprehensive approach to workforce strategy. This makes it a strong fit for mid-market firms seeking continuity from hiring through career transition. The firm has a strong focus on clients in private equity.
| Summary of Online Reviews |
| Kensington International is praised for its “experienced recruiters” and “holistic leadership solutions.” Some reviews indicate they are “limited on the industries they cover” and “may not provide specialization depth” for clients seeking niche placements. |
6. Crist|Kolder Associates – For Board and CEO-Level Search Expertise
Founded 2003 • Headquartered in Downers Grove, IL
Crist|Kolder Associates focuses exclusively on CEO, CFO, and board placements across Fortune 500 and private equity-backed companies. Its specialization and discretion make it a top choice for high-profile leadership transitions. Its narrow scope suggest the firm is less suited for broader C-suite or divisional leadership searches.
| Summary of Online Reviews |
| Crist|Kolder Associates is noted for “its discretion, professionalism, and depth of boardroom experience.” Additional feedback suggests that its specialized focus “may not align with companies seeking a wider range of executive roles.” |
7. Ferguson Partners – For Real Estate and Infrastructure Specialization
Founded 1989 • Headquartered in Chicago, IL
Ferguson Partners is a niche executive search firm dedicated to real estate, construction, and infrastructure leadership. Its expertise in investment management and development makes it a trusted name in those industries. With a narrow focus, they could be the right fit specifically for real estate or construction companies.
| Summary of Online Reviews |
| Ferguson Partners is commended for “deep industry knowledge and a consultative, professional approach.” Some reviews note “its specialization can make it less versatile for clients in other fields.” |
Top Executive Search Firms in Chicago by Role
Top Executive Search Firms for Marketing Roles in Chicago
Rank | Firm Name | Key Strength |
1 | Talentfoot | Deep experience placing CMOs, VPs of Marketing, and growth leaders across industries. |
2 | Slayton Search Partners | Strong relationships within consumer and industrial sectors. |
3 | Crist|Kolder | Offers leadership and development services tailored to marketing executives. |
Top Executive Search Firms for Technology Roles in Chicago
Rank | Firm Name | Key Strength |
1 | Comhar Partners | Boutique approach and agility in tech and SaaS recruitment. |
2 | Talentfoot | Proven success recruiting technology, data, and AI executives for Chicago-based firms. |
3 | DHR Global | Broad reach for large-scale digital transformation roles. |
Top Executive Search Firms for Account, Finance, and FP&A Roles in Chicago
Rank | Firm Name | Key Strength |
1 | Talentfoot | Expert in placing FP&A leaders, CFOs, and finance directors for PE-backed and high-growth firms. |
2 | DHR GLobal | Broad coverage of financial and accounting leadership roles across industries. |
3 | Comhar Partners | Emerging presence in financial and analytical leadership placements. |
Sources
[1] Hunt Scanlon Media. “Executive Search Market Forecast 2025: Midwest and National Outlook.” February 2025. https://huntscanlon.com/
[2] Forbes Business Council. “Inside Chicago’s Leadership Economy: Why Executive Search Is Thriving in 2025.” March 2025. https://www.forbes.com/
[3] Harvard Business Review. “The Evolving Role of Executive Search in a Competitive Talent Market.” January 2025. https://hbr.org/
[4] Boston Consulting Group (BCG). “What’s Keeping CEOs Up at Night in 2025: Talent, Technology, and Transformation.” June 2025. https://www.bcg.com/publications
[5] World Economic Forum. “The Future of Jobs Report 2025.” January 2025. https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2025/
This ranking of the top executive search firms in Chicago 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 Chicago executive search services, please read here.
