Top 10 Executive Firms in India
The right leadership talent can make or break an organization. In a competitive market like India, where top-tier talent is in high demand, partnering with the right executive search firms in India is crucial. Companies like these specialize in finding, attracting, and placing C-suite executives, senior leaders, and niche professionals.
A recruitment search partner can help you find the right talent, whether you’re a multinational corporation, a startup, or an established business. From industry-specific expertise to a deep understanding of the Indian market, these firms bring a wealth of experience to the table.
In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 executive search firms in India with proven track records, a great network, and a client-centric approach. These firms have consistently delivered excellent results, helping organizations build strong leadership teams.
You can use this guide to learn more about the best executive recruitment search firms in India if you’re looking to hire top talent. Find partners who can help your organization succeed!
How to Choose the Right Executive Search Firms in India?
There are a few factors you need to consider when choosing an executive search firm in India. Make sure the agency has executive search experience, a positive reputation, and a proven track record of placing top candidates.
Pick an agency with experience in your industry. They’ll better understand what you’re looking for and what challenges you’re facing. Additionally, consider the firm’s network and reach. Executive search firms in India often have extensive local and global connections, which allows them to find high-caliber candidates who aren’t actively seeking jobs. Consider these factors to find a firm that meets your immediate hiring needs, and also contributes to your organization’s growth.
Top 10 Executive Search Firms in India
Here are the top 10 executive search companies in India based on reputation, expertise, and track record in hiring leadership. They’re known for connecting organizations with top talent in various industries:
1. SutraHR
SutraHR, established in 2008, specializes in staffing for startups and emerging companies.
As a recruitment company, SutraHR offers a range of services, including executive search, recruitment process outsourcing, and employer branding. They focus on a variety of sectors, including technology, e-commerce, digital marketing, IT and more. With advanced technology and a dedicated resource model, they efficiently match candidates with positions that meet both client and candidate needs.
Over the years, SutraHR has worked with over 10,000 clients in four countries and seven cities, including India, the UAE, Singapore, and the US. In addition to startups, digital agencies, and established companies, they serve a wide range of clients.
Over the past 15 years, SutraHR has placed over 8,000 candidates, including over 500 senior-level positions.
Their unique Dedicated Resource Model (DRM) at SutraHR allows clients to recruit unlimited hires for a fixed monthly fee. Compared to traditional per-hire models, this approach offers startups and businesses more flexibility and predictability.
With their innovative recruitment strategies, specialized services, and extensive client partnerships, SutraHR has established itself as one of the top recruitment agencies in India.
Global Network: Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, USA, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, UAE, United Kingdom & more.
Services Offered: Permanent recruitment, Executive search, Employer branding, HR Software, HR tools, Dedicated Resource Model (DRM), Human Resource Consulting, End-to-end Recruitment, Startup and IT recruitment, Talent acquisition
Google Star Ratings: 4.8/5
2. ABC Consultants
Founded in 1969 by Dr. Bish Agrawal in Kolkata, ABC Consultants is a well-known talent advisory and executive headhunting firm. Over the years, it has grown to offer services such as leadership hiring, executive search, and board advisory to help companies find top-tier talent.
They’ve helped companies hire upper management and build leadership teams across 21 industry sectors. Their clients include NaBFID and Edelweiss Life, providing them with high-quality talent that matches both the company’s work environment and the skills required.
Services Offered: Leadership Hiring, talent advisory solution, Independent Reference Checks, Board Advisory Services, etc
Google Star Ratings: 4.0/5
3. Michael Page India
Michael Page India was founded in 2010, and it’s one of the best executive search firms in India. They find high-quality candidates for leadership roles such as CEO, COO, CFO, general manager, director, or country manager.
They connect companies across many industries, including banking, finance, engineering, manufacturing, healthcare, IT, law, sales, and more. They’ve got a team of Senior Directors with over a decade of recruitment experience. It lets Michael Page deliver clients the best executive search talent.
Additonally, they work closely with their in-house research team, so clients get well-informed and strategic recruitment support.
Services Offered: Temporary, Contractual and Permanent Hiring, executive search and Recruitment solution
Google Reviews: 4.6/5
4. Korn Ferry
One of the top executive search firms in India, Korn Ferry provides executive search services specializing in finding and placing top talent across various industries and geographies. Korn Ferry operates in over 50 countries, providing access to a vast network of executives and leaders worldwide.
They offer recruitment services in industries such as technology, healthcare, financial services, and consumer goods. In addition to executive search, Korn Ferry offers leadership development, organizational design, and talent strategy.
They help organizations find leaders who can drive business success in an increasingly complex and competitive global market. With deep expertise, innovative tools, and a client-centric approach, Korn Ferry delivers exceptional results for critical C-suite and leadership positions.
Services Offered: Workforce Transformation , Career Transition & Outplacement, Talent Management, Cost Optimization, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. and more
Google Reviews: 3.7
5. Egon Zehnder
Egon Zehnder is one of the leading executive search firms in India. It specializes in placing executives in critical roles such as CEOs, board members, and other C-suite positions, as well as functional leaders across industries. Their global team of over 600 consultants helps clients hire the right leaders, develop leadership strategies, and navigate executive transitions. Their recruiters are industry experts and former executives, so they understand client needs well.
Services Offered: Developing Leadership, Unlocking Transformations, Shaping Successions, Advancing Governance and Discovering Leaders.
Google Reviews: 4.6/5
6. Heidrick & Struggles
Established in 1953, Heidrick & Struggles is a global executive search and headhunting firm that finds and recruits senior leadership talent in various industries. It offers executive recruitment, leadership consulting, and culture shaping services around the world. The company helps organizations build high-performing leadership teams, with expertise in board consulting, executive assessment, and succession planning. Heidrick & Struggles is a trusted talent acquisition partner for businesses seeking to grow through strategic leadership and talent management.
Our Services: Executive Search, Leadership, On-Demand Talent, Organization & Culture.
Google Reviews:3.7/5
7. Spencer Stuart
A global executive search and leadership consulting firm, Spencer Stuart helps organizations find, evaluate, and develop leadership talent. As part of their executive search services, they recruit high-performing executives for senior leadership roles, including CEO, CFO, and other C-suite positions, as well as board members.
Their staffing services cater to industries like Tech, Healthcare, Financial Services, and Consumer Goods, providing customized solutions for each client.
Services Offered: CEO succession planning, Executive assessments, Digital Transformation, Executive Search, HR & Talent Advisory and more.
Google Reviews: 3.3/5
8. Russell Reynolds Associates
With Russell Reynolds Associates, you can find top-tier leaders for critical roles like CEOs, C-suite executives, and board members. Through their global presence, they combine international reach with local expertise to meet each organization’s unique leadership needs. Technology, financial services, healthcare, and consumer products are some of the industries they specialize in. As part of their rigorous candidate evaluation process, they not only look at experience, but also leadership potential and cultural fit. The company also offers post-hire support, including onboarding and leadership development.
Our Services: Assessment & Benchmarking, CEO Succession , AI and Tech Executive, Mentoring, Board Search, Executive Search
Google Reviews: 4.4/5
9. TRANSEARCH International
Established in 1982, TRANSEARCH International is a global executive search and leadership consulting firm. They recruit senior-level executives across industries like finance, healthcare, technology, and manufacturing. Their services include executive search, leadership development, talent management, and succession planning. Transearch delivers long-term leadership solutions aligned with clients’ business goals around the world. They’re the best executive search companies in India for building high-performing leadership teams and navigating today’s complex business environment
Services Offered: Executive Search, Leadership Consulting, Board Services, Interim Executive Search
Google Reviews: 4.0/5
10. Odgers Berndtson
Founded in 1965, Odgers Berndtson is a global executive search and leadership consulting firm. They recruit high-level executives, board members, and leadership teams across industries. With services like executive search, leadership assessment, succession planning, and talent strategy, they help companies find and develop top talent.
With a presence in over 30 countries, Odgers Berndtson delivers exceptional solutions and helps organizations build strong leadership teams.
Services Offered: Executive Search, interim management, Equity and Inclusion Consulting & Leadership Advisory.
Google Reviews: 3.9/4
10 Benefits of Partnering with Executive Search Firms in India
The best executive search firms in India can provide valuable industry insight, a broad talent network, and specialized expertise to help you recruit and retain the best talent. Here are 10 key benefits of partnering with executive search experts:
1. Access to a Wider Talent Pool
Recruiting companies in Mumbai connect businesses and startups with talented candidates, including those not looking for employment opportunities. By doing this, businesses have access to top talent they may not find through traditional methods.
2. Specialist in identifying directorship qualities.
Organizations hire executive search agencies to find the right fit for their leadership needs, from managers to directors to executive officers (EOs).
3. Time and Cost Efficiency
Outsourcing the recruitment process saves companies and agencies time and money. They handle candidate sourcing, screening, and interviewing, so you can focus on core business operations.
4. Confidentiality and Discretion
A good executive search firm will protect both the organization and the candidate during sensitive hirings, like replacing a headhunter or leader.
5. Objective and Unbiased Assessments
The experts at executive search conduct objective assessments based on skills and experience, so businesses don’t take risks when choosing high-level executives.
6. Market Insights and Talent Mapping
An executive search firm can help organizations make informed hiring decisions based on market intelligence, such as compensation trends and talent availability.
7. Boosted Hiring Quality
The best headhunting firms in India help startups and companies hire employees who are the right fit for senior roles, ensuring better performance and quality.
8. Minimize the Risk of Recruitment
The executive search recruiter helps organizations find the best leaders for director and executive officer (CEO) positions by thoroughly vetting candidates.
9. Guidance with succession strategies
These recruiting companies help businesses identify potential leaders within their organization or source external talent, so leadership transitions run smoothly.
10. Extended Strategic Collaboration
These executive search firms develop long-term partnerships with agencies, companies, and startups, helping them adapt and grow over time with future talent strategy and leadership needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, executive search companies in India help businesses find the best leadership talent. These recruiting firms have industry insight, expertise, and a vast network, making hiring more efficient and cost-effective. It’s essential to find the right executive search firm for your organization to grow and succeed.
Partnering with a trusted executive search firm can significantly enhance an organization’s leadership team and set the stage for future success through leadership development, diversity, and cultural fit.
FAQs About Top Executive Search Firms in India
What is an executive search firm?
Executive search agencies hire top talent for jobs in upper management, like directors, managers, and executives. They find top talent that matches a company’s vision, culture, and strategy.
How do I know if a recruitment agency is right for my company?
If you’re looking for the best recruitment agency in India, look at their expertise, goodwill, and potential. Look for an agency with a transparent process, a proven track record, and the ability to meet your needs.
What industries do executive search agencies specialize in?
A lot of executive recruitment firms specialize in different areas, like technology, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, retail, and e-commerce. Some firms specialize in specific businesses, and others provide solutions across multiple industries.
What should I expect from an executive search firm?
A good executive search firm will help you with everything from understanding your hiring needs to sourcing qualified candidates, conducting interviews, negotiating offers, and helping you with onboarding. In addition, they should provide insight into recruitment trends, salaries, and talent management.
How do recruitment agencies ensure candidate quality?
Recruiting agencies in India ensure candidate quality by doing background checks, skill assessments, interviews, and checking references. Many agencies leverage their networks and industry knowledge to find candidates who are qualified and align with your company’s culture.
How do executive search firms ensure confidentiality?
Headhunting firms maintain confidentiality by safeguarding both client and candidate info. Throughout the recruitment process, they follow privacy policies, use secure communication channels, and only share information when it’s necessary.
What is the difference between a recruitment agency and an executive search firm?
Recruitment companies hire for a range of jobs, including entry-level, mid-level, and technical ones. While executive search firms offer a more personalized and in-depth recruitment process, they focus on sourcing and placing high-level executives.
What is the largest executive search firm in India?
Compared to some of the older players, SutraHR has quickly become a trusted name among the top executive search recruitment firms in India, particularly for startups and tech companies. They’re known for their personalized approach, using cutting-edge technology and a huge proprietary database to match clients with top talent.
How long does an executive search in India take?
An executive search in India takes time depending on the role’s complexity and the availability of talent. Depending on the company’s goals and culture, the hiring process can take a few weeks or several months.
What is the cost of hiring an executive search firm in India?
The majority of executive search firms charge a retainer or success fee, typically 20% to 35% of the candidate’s annual salary. But with SutraHR’s Dedicated Resource Model (DRM), you pay once and hire unlimited people
Are executive search firms in India familiar with global talent markets?
Yes, many executive search companies in India are well-versed in finding and placing leadership talent internationally. Having a strong presence in countries like the USA, UK, UAE, Singapore, and more helps them attract global talent.
