The Los Angeles metropolitan area is one of the most competitive markets in the United States for executive talent. Companies across technology, digital media, entertainment, financial services, and venture backed sectors are competing for proven C suite and VP level leaders. As a result, demand for the top executive search firms in Los Angeles and the best executive search firms in Los Angeles continues to rise.
For organizations evaluating search partners, the decision is high stakes. The right firm must understand the unique dynamics of LA County, Orange County, and the Silicon Beach corridor. Industry specialization, access to passive executive talent, and local market credibility all matter. Choosing incorrectly can delay growth. Choosing wisely can accelerate it.
To bring greater clarity to this decision, Talentfoot partnered with an independent third party research firm to conduct a comprehensive market study. Together, we evaluated established global firms and specialized boutique firms with a significant presence in Southern California. The goal was simple. Identify the top executive search firms in Los Angeles based on measurable performance indicators.
Each firm was assessed using defined criteria, including:
• Depth of executive search specialization
• Documented senior level placements in Southern California
• Industry expertise across key LA sectors
• Market reputation and verified performance data
These factors were weighted and synthesized into a final score out of 100. The result is the 2026 ranking of the best executive search firms in Los Angeles, designed to help CEOs, HR, Talent Acqusition Leaders, and Hiring Managers make informed recruitment decisions with confidence.
Study Ranking Factors & Criteria
- Los Angeles Market Expertise (25 pts) – Evidence of a dedicated local presence, client base, or practice specialization within the Los Angeles area. (Verified through firm headquarters, regional pages, and placement examples.)
- Documented Executive Placements (20 pts) – Public case studies with identifiable client and company names, press releases, or LinkedIn evidence of executive placements across key industries within the past three years.
- Cross-Functional Expertise (15 pts) – Demonstrated emphasis on executive placements across all major functions, including sales, marketing, technology, accounting & finance, and operations.
- Candidate Assessment Process (15 pts) – Documented evidence of a deep, structured, and rigorous candidate assessment process to deliver candidates with the experience, skill set, and cultural DNA needed for candidates to thrive.
- Review Quality & Volume (15 pts) – Average client review score and total verified review count from Google, Glassdoor, and Clutch as of November 2025.
- Thought Leadership & Hiring Insights (10 pts) – Strength of online presence and thought leadership relating to executive hiring and search, including blog activity, media features, and firm credibility across digital channels.
2026 Rankings: The Top Los Angeles Executive Search Firms
Rank | Firm | Los Angeles Expertise (25 points) | Executive Placements (20 pts) | Cross-Functional Expertise (15 pts) | Candidate Assessment Process (15 pts) | Review Quality & Volume (15 pts) | Online Visibility & Reputation (10 pts) | Total Score (100 pts) |
1 | 24 | 18 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 94 | |
2 | Keller Executive Search | 22 | 17 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 8 | 88 |
3 | Scion Executive Search | 24 | 18 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 7 | 87 |
4 | Clay Burnett Group | 24 | 16 | 12 | 14 | 12 | 7 | 85 |
5 | ACCUR Recruiting Services | 20 | 17 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 8 | 84 |
6 | Caldwell Partners | 22 | 18 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 7 | 83 |
7 | Kevin Chase Executive Search Group | 23 | 15 | 10 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 80 |
Firm Overviews
1. Talentfoot Executive Search
Founded 2010 • Los Angeles Executive Search for Growth Stage, Mid-Market, and PE-Backed Companies
Talentfoot operates as a renowned executive search firm with dedicated expertise across the Los Angeles and Southern California market. The firm specializes in C-suite and senior leadership placements within core practice areas such as marketing, technology, AI, and F&A. The firm’s deep regional knowledge targets high-growth LA sectors, notably entertainment, SaaS, E-Commerce, and financial services. With a 98% success rate across its 2,500+ nationwide partnerships, Talentfoot is distinguished by a structured, multi-stage search process that strategically blends technical proficiency with deep organizational alignment.
Summary of Online Reviews |
Talentfoot is consistently praised for its precise and consultative approach, with clients noting the team "listened very carefully to our brief" and did not "just throw a bunch of names in our face." Reviewers highlight the firm’s efficiency and communication, leading to a "strong candidate pipeline and a quick time to fill" with talent that made clients "ultimately thrilled with the one we have hired." |
2. Keller Executive Search
Founded 2015 • Contingent and Retained Executive Search Firm
Keller Executive Search is a global executive search firm that offers a broad range of talent acquisition services with a specific focus on placing C-suite and senior leaders across the Los Angeles and Southern California region. The firm maintains extensive expertise across major functional areas, including IT/technology, sales, marketing, accounting & finance, and human resources, and serves clients in diverse industries like financial services, healthcare, consumer & retail, and SaaS. Keller employs a robust search and assessment methodology that includes leadership coaching and HR process reviews, most notable for their attractive guarantee model.
Summary of Online Reviews |
Keller Executive Search is frequently admired for operating as an "expert extension of our own team," providing "proactive communication" and the confidence to "make smarter staffing decisions." Clients consistently praise the team for being "very knowledgeable and attentive, and assist[ing] us every step of the way." |
3. Scion Executive Search
Founded 2006 • Full-service Nonprofit Executive Search Firm
Scion Executive Search is a nationally recognized executive search firm with a primary specialization in leadership recruitment for nonprofits, foundations, and educational institutions. While the firm has a national reach, it serves the Los Angeles market by placing transformative CEOs, executive directors, CFOs, COOs, and senior department leaders across key functions. Scion is distinguished by its mission-driven focus across development, philanthropy, finance & accounting, HR, and technology departments, dedicated exclusively to the nonprofit sector.
Summary of Online Reviews |
Scion Executive Search is recognized for providing an exceptional candidate experience, with clients noting it was "a true pleasure to have worked with Scion." Reviewers frequently praise the firm for demonstrating the "highest level of communication and professionalism during the entire process." |
4. Clay Burnett Group
Founded 2008 • Specialized Executive Search Firm
Clay Burnett Group is a California-based executive search firm that serves clients across the greater Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, and San Francisco Bay Area, as well as nationwide. As a top boutique firm, Clay Burnett Group specializes in placing professionals, from C-suite to staff levels, across four functional areas, including finance & accounting, information technology, and retained executive search services. They emphasize a disciplined approach that includes thorough examination to ensure a precise, first-class fit for executive hires.
Summary of Online Reviews |
Clay Burnett Group (CBG) earns high praise for its ability to handle "highly specific and very challenging" searches, leading to key executive hires like a Chief Financial Officer and Head of HR. Clients highlight the firm's competency, asserting that "CBG knows what they’re doing," and rely on its integrity, noting that "Trust, follow-through and excellent communication are all memories I have." |
5. ACCUR Recruiting Services
Founded 2006 • Executive Search for Consumer Industries
ACCUR Recruiting Services is a boutique executive search firm, repeatedly named a Forbes top recruiter, with an office in Los Angeles focused on placing middle-to-senior management talent within specialized consumer industries. The firm’s core expertise lies in luxury goods, beauty & personal care, wines & spirits, consumer goods, and pharmaceuticals. ACCUR offers both retained and professional search options that leverage an extensive global network and deep Southern California market knowledge to fill key executive roles in sales, marketing, retail, and supply chain.
Summary of Online Reviews |
ACCUR Recruiting Services is highly regarded for its commitment to efficiency and quality, consistently delivering an "accurate, personalized & fast response." Clients often appreciate the specialization, finding it "helpful and reassuring to navigate a job change with someone that specializes in my industry," and noting that the team is "very helpful every step of the way." |
6. Caldwell Partners
Founded 1970 • Executive Search Firm for Established and Growth Companies
Caldwell Partners is a major international executive search firm with a dedicated office in Los Angeles, specializing in executive & board search and professional-level search for global organizations and startups. With 50+ years of experience, Caldwell prioritizes C-suite and senior leadership roles across all major functions, including data, digital & technology officers, financial officers, and CHRO & human capital. In the Los Angeles market, they cover a vast array of industries such as technology, financial services, healthcare, private equity & venture capital, and sports & entertainment. They distinguish themselves through original research, a global network, and a commitment to cultivating diverse talent.
Summary of Online Reviews |
Caldwell Partners is commended for providing an exceptional and seamless experience, with clients describing the entire search process as "absolutely amazing." Reviewers frequently cite the team's exceptional capabilities, highlighting their "professional attitude and organizational skills" and noting that they are "extremely efficient, professional and solved a problem quickly." |
7. Kevin Chase Executive Search Group
Founded 2015 • Executive Search For Mission-driven, Nonprofit Organizations
Kevin Chase Executive Search Group is a national consulting and executive search firm distinguished by its exclusive focus on mission-driven, nonprofit organizations. The firm, which serves clients in the Los Angeles area, specializes in senior and C-suite leadership roles, particularly executive leadership and fundraising engagements. Kevin Chase partners with board and senior teams across sectors, including human services, social justice, healthcare, education, and arts & culture.
Summary of Online Reviews |
Kevin Chase Executive Search Group is highly valued for being "indispensable in facilitating a nationwide Executive Director search process" for nonprofit boards. Clients praise the firm's efficiency and support, noting that the consultant's "level of support and professional insight was invaluable" and significantly enhanced the ultimate credibility of the selection process. |
**Based exclusively on publicly accessible data and third-party research, this list of the top Los Angeles executive search firms is intended for informational use only. It does not constitute formal recruiting direction or professional counsel.**
