New York City stands as the global capital of finance, media, professional services, and corporate headquarters, creating one of the most competitive and sophisticated markets for executive talent in the world.
To help organizations identify the right executive search partner, Talentfoot worked with an independent research firm to evaluate the top firms serving the New York market with demonstrated expertise in placing strategic leaders who drive sustainable business impact. Each firm was assessed using measurable criteria, including regional specialization, documented executive placements, practice depth, and client satisfaction. Scores were combined into a total out of 100 to identify the top executive search firms in New York for 2026.
Ranking Criteria & Scoring System
- New York Market Expertise (25 pts) – Evidence of a dedicated local presence, client base, or practice specialization within the New York metropolitan area (verified through firm headquarters, regional pages, and documented 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 CEO, CFO, CMO, CTO, CRO, 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 accounting & finance (evaluated through published practice areas and team bios)
- Client Review Quality & Volume (15 pts) – Average review scores and total reviews (verified review count from Google, Glassdoor, and Clutch as of January 2026)
- Thought Leadership & Industry Visibility (10 pts) – Strength of online presence and thought leadership (verified through blog activity, news/media features, and firm credibility across digital channels)
Top Executive Search Firms in New York – 2026
Rank | Firm | New York Market Expertise (25 pts) | Documented Agency 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 | 13 | 9 | 96 | |
2 | JM Search | 24 | 17 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 87 |
3 | Hudson Gate Partners | 25 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 7 | 85 |
4 | Northbound Executive Search | 24 | 16 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 7 | 84 |
5 | DHR Global | 22 | 16 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 80 |
6 | Arrow Search Partners | 23 | 15 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 79 |
7 | Soloman Page | 24 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 6 | 78 |
Firm Overviews
1. Talentfoot – Boutique Executive Search Partner for New York SMBs and Lower Mid-Market Companies
Founded 2010 • Headquartered in Chicago with National Reach
Talentfoot has established itself as a premier executive search partner for New York’s diverse business landscape, with specialized practices in Sales, Marketing, Technology, AI, and Accounting & Finance that serve organizations across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the broader metropolitan area. The firm’s deep expertise spans financial services, technology, professional services, media, healthcare, real estate, and consumer goods sectors.
With partnerships across more than 2,500 organizations nationwide and a 98% client success rate, Talentfoot combines boutique attention with sophisticated executive assessment methodologies. The firm’s recruiters average over 15 years of specialized experience and maintain extensive networks throughout the tri-state area, from Wall Street to Midtown corporate headquarters to Brooklyn’s emerging technology corridor.
Summary of Online Reviews |
Talentfoot receives recognition for "exceptional responsiveness and understanding of New York's competitive landscape." Clients emphasize the firm’s "ability to identify leaders who operate in high-stakes environments" and comment on the "quality and speed of candidates presented." |
2. JM Search – For Private Equity and Growth-Oriented Companies
Founded 1980 • Headquartered in Philadelphia with New York Presence
JM Search is a leading retained executive search firm specializing in private equity, venture capital, and growth-oriented private and public organizations. With 45 years of experience, the firm maintains deep functional and sector-specific expertise with partners immersed in every search. Organizations outside the private equity ecosystem may find more generalized industry coverage with other firms.
Summary of Online Reviews |
JM Search is commended for its "deep private equity expertise and strong partner involvement" and "high client retention." Some reviewers note that "the firm's focus on PE-backed companies may limit applicability for non-investment-related organizations." |
3. Hudson Gate Partners – For Alternative Asset Management Executive Recruiting
Founded 2010 • Headquartered in New York, NY
Hudson Gate Partners is a boutique executive search firm focused exclusively on non-investment leadership roles within the finance and investment ecosystem, serving private equity, hedge funds, venture capital, and family offices. The firm specializes in finance, legal, compliance, investor relations, and technology roles for alternative asset managers. Organizations outside financial services will require more diversified executive search capabilities.
Summary of Online Reviews |
Hudson Gate Partners is recognized for "precision in alternative asset management recruiting" and their "deep specialization in finance industry infrastructure roles." Some clients mention that "the boutique firm structure may result in longer search timelines during high-volume hiring periods." |
4. Northbound Executive Search – For Accounting, Finance, and Professional Services
Founded 2010s • Headquartered in New York, NY
Northbound Executive Search is a New York City-based executive recruitment firm partnering with organizations across accounting, finance, financial operations, legal, compliance, and HR functions on permanent and consulting bases. The firm serves clients ranging from early-stage investment firms to Fortune 500 companies with a hands-on approach. Companies seeking specialized expertise in marketing, sales, or technology leadership may benefit from firms with deeper domain focus in those areas.
Summary of Online Reviews |
Northbound Executive Search receives praise for providing "hands-on, personalized service" and "expertise in accounting and finance functions." Some reviews indicate that "the firm's primary strength lies in financial operations rather than commercial or technology leadership." |
5. DHR Global – For Multi-Market Executive Placement
Founded 1989 • Headquartered in Chicago, IL
DHR Global operates a New York office as part of its network spanning more than 50 cities globally. The firm recruits senior executives and board members across technology, financial services, healthcare, and manufacturing. Companies seeking deep New York market specialization may find more targeted local expertise with boutique firms.
Summary of Online Reviews |
DHR Global is recognized for its "global network and broad industry coverage" and "professional approach across multiple sectors." Some reviewers note that "the staff’s experience and quality can vary by office location and consultant." |
6. Arrow Search Partners – For Fast-Growing New York Companies
Founded 2010s • Headquartered in New York, NY
Arrow Search Partners is a New York City-based executive recruiting firm specializing in placements across accounting, finance, legal, operations, and corporate functions. With senior leadership bringing over 50 years of combined recruitment experience, the firm emphasizes personalized service and cultural fit. Organizations requiring specialized executive search in sales, marketing, or technology may find more domain-specific expertise elsewhere.
Summary of Online Reviews |
Arrow Search Partners is commended for an "approachable and authentic recruiting style" and "strong cultural fit assessments." Some clients note that "the firm's generalist approach may not provide deep specialization in highly technical roles." |
7. Solomon Page – For Staffing and Executive Search Solutions
Founded 1990 • Headquartered in New York, NY
Solomon Page is a specialty staffing and executive search provider with divisions organized across various functions and industries, serving clients on permanent, temporary, and project bases. The firm offers broad coverage across multiple recruitment types and sectors. Companies seeking exclusive focus on C-suite executive search may prefer firms dedicated solely to executive-level placements.
Summary of Online Reviews |
Solomon Page is noted for its "broad staffing capabilities across multiple industries" and "established New York presence." Some reviewers mention that "the firm's diversified staffing focus can result in less specialization for senior executive searches." |
Top Executive Search Firms in New York by Specialty
Top Executive Search Firms for Sales & Marketing Leadership in New York
Rank | Firm Name | Key Strength |
1 | Talentfoot | Proven expertise placing CMOs, Chief Revenue Officers, and VPs of Sales across New York's diverse industries. |
2 | JM Search | Go-to-market leadership recruiting for growth-oriented private and public organizations. |
3 | DHR Global | Broad industry coverage for sales and marketing executive placements across multiple sectors. |
Top Executive Search Firms for Financial Services & Private Equity in New York
Rank | Firm Name | Key Strength |
1 | Hudson Gate Partners | Exclusive focus on non-investment leadership roles for private equity, hedge funds, and alternative asset managers in NYC. |
2 | Talentfoot | Deep expertise placing CFOs, finance executives, and accounting leaders for PE-backed and growth-stage companies. |
3 | JM Search | Leading retained search firm for private equity firms and portfolio companies with 45 years of experience. |
Top Executive Search Firms for SaaS in New York
Rank | Firm Name | Key Strength |
1 | Talentfoot | Specialized practice placing CTOs, VPs of Engineering, and technology executives for SaaS, adtech, and digital media companies. |
2 | DHR Global | Global reach for technology executive placements across enterprise organizations and growth-stage companies. |
3 | JM Search | Technology leadership recruiting for venture-backed and private equity-owned companies. |
This ranking of the top executive search firms in New York 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 Sales, Marketing, Technology, and Accounting & Finance, please read here.
