Top 10 Executive Search Firms for the Technology Sector

There is a growing need for visionary technology executives who can navigate disruption, scale innovation, and build resilient digital ecosystems. Whether it’s a CTO for a fintech unicorn or a COO for a food delivery app startup, finding the right tech leader can make or break the business.

That’s where specialized executive search firms come in. These firms don’t just fill roles – they act as strategic partners, helping companies attract and retain top-tier talent in highly competitive markets. In this post, we’ll highlight top 10 executive search firms for the technology sector, known for their deep expertise in leadership placements.

Odgers Berndtson

Founded in 1965, this UK-based firm has global reach and a strong TMT practice. They’re known for working with clients on both the corporate and government side of digital transformation. They have a very sector-specific focus and provide tailored leadership advisory services. Their human resources consulting services are not limited to recruitment but also include leadership assessment.

Egon Zehnder

Headquartered in Zurich, Egon Zehnder is one of the most respected executive search firms globally, with a particularly strong presence in Europe. Their Technology and Communications Practice works with both legacy companies and digital disruptors. They are often called “elite” in the executive search industry, and their global presence is undeniable.

Neon River

Neon River is a boutique executive search firm with a strong reputation within the technology startup and scale-up space across the UK and Europe. They primarily work with high-growth software, SaaS, internet, and games companies backed by VC/PE firms. Being a boutique firm, they work well with startups and growth companies that want specialized and tailored tech-sector expertise without the bureaucracy of a big firm.

Gordon & Eden

Gordon & Eden is another boutique executive search firm specialized in the technology sector. They have a strong track record of hiring senior digital and technology leaders for rapidly growing startup, scale-up, and corporate businesses. Founded by Sam Gordon and Sophie Eden, they are also one of the high-quality boutique firms offering tailored services.

Savannah Group

Savannah Group is known for its work in digital, data, and technology leadership. They frequently work with high-growth companies and PE/VC-backed businesses. Not only executive search, they also offer interim management, talent intelligence, and transformation consulting. Their presence is strong in the UK, and they are trusted by leading Fortune 500, FTSE 250, and private equity-backed businesses.

Joseph Executive Search

Joseph Executive Search is a unique firm where all their consultants are former CEOs or partners in industry or practice. They have a strong local presence in the UK and specialize in the technology sector, especially life sciences and biotech businesses. They also offer executive search services to management consulting firms.

Proactive Global

Proactive Global specializes in engineering and technical talent. They are a sector-specific firm with a strong reputation within the automation, manufacturing, and advanced technology industries. Based in London, they cover technology and engineering talents worldwide. The firm is part of nGAGE Talent, an international group of specialist recruitment brands.

CrimsonXT

CrimsonXT is a specialist executive search firm focused on automation, energy, technology, and construction companies worldwide. They offer executive search, permanent, and contract recruitment services for clients looking for a speedy process. They also offer retained-based, full-partnership service including employer brand support.

The Up Group

The Up Group is a London-based firm with a strong presence in the pan-European headhunting scene. Beyond executive search, The Up Group provides a suite of advisory services including management team assessment and salary benchmarking. Each year, their events platform brings together more than 2,000 business leaders through board dinners, roundtables, and talent awards held across the US and Europe.

JBM

JBM is a London-based executive search firm founded in 2012 by James Mitra, specializing in placing top-tier leadership talent within Seed to Series C startups and VC-backed companies. They offer permanent placements for roles such as CEO, COO, CMO, and other C-suite positions, but also interim and fractional placements.

How We Chose These Firms

The Top 10 Executive Search Firms for the Technology Sector is based on a combination of factors including reputation, specialization in the tech sector, client base, consultant expertise, and the range of services offered. Some firms are long-established players with global reach, while others are agile boutiques deeply embedded in the startup and scale-up ecosystem. All are trusted partners to companies navigating today’s complex talent landscape.