It's often during more challenging times that the true value of a leader is realised. And finding the right one can be the difference between success and failure. That's where executive search comes in.
Our executive search combines in-depth market expertise with proven, technology-driven research methods and unconventional thinking to find leaders who can deliver real value and impact. We challenge our clients' ways of thinking and tap into cross-industry synergies and trends to find extraordinary talent in out-of-the-ordinary places. It's why some of the world's biggest brands trust us as their executive search partner of choice.
Every client we work with is different, which is why we genuinely appreciate the intimate details of every search we undertake. But the way in which we go about finding talent is always the same, and because of that our executive search process is tried and tested.
We know how high-performing boards operate, which gives us a distinct advantage when it comes to recruiting exciting Chair and NED talent. We source Chair and NED candidates who can offer fresh perspectives and challenge conventional thinking, working alongside your nominations committee to ensure both new and experienced candidates are considered throughout the search process.
We provide executive searches for the full spectrum of C-suite level, senior executive and leadership positions, including but not limited to CEO, COO, CFO, CMO, CIO, CDO and CTO. Our specialist CFO practice has more than 100 years of combined executive search experience in both UK and global markets, with a successful track record of managing CFO assignments across multiple sectors.
We’re the executive search partner for many of the world’s most recognisable consumer-focused brands, including some of the largest sector leaders in consumer products and services, retail and fast-moving consumer goods.
We support these companies across the globe to engage and hire exceptional leadership talent, recruiting both executive and non-executive board members and senior leaders across the full range of consumer-orientated functions.
Our deep understanding of the global consumer markets enables us to find leaders who can inspire multi-cultural, multi-generational teams in a highly agile way, as well as appreciate the increasingly influential role of digital and emerging technology platforms.
Including food and beverage, home and personal care, durables, packaged goods, consumer electronics and sporting goods.
Including department stores, supermarkets, direct and online retailers, convenience stores, fashion businesses and general retailers of various sizes.
We have extensive executive search experience in the financial services sector, partnering with a wide range of businesses from fintech start-ups and challenger banks to building societies, mutual organisations and consumer finance companies.
With a specialist financial services practice, organisations come to us because they know we have a track record in delivering impressive multinational shortlists for executive and non-executive talent across a range of specialisms.
Building societies
Challenger banks
Start-up banks
Fintech start-ups
Consumer finance
Alternative finance providers
Mutual organisations
Getting the right leadership talent in place is crucial in any investment cycle and it can be instrumental in maximising the valuation of a company. We work with some of the UK’s leading private equity firms to help them find the right talent for their own businesses as well as their portfolio of private equity-backed companies.
We take a highly consultative approach to help acquire talent throughout the full deal lifecycle. During pre-deals, we work closely with our clients to identify and engage talent before they acquire a business, as well as through stages of deal origination and early access, optimisation of management capability and talent succession.
We also provide Chair and NED executive searches for private equity-backed, family office and owner-managed businesses. We take the time to understand the complexities of these organisations from the outset, utilising our market knowledge and networks to find the right talent that meets their strategic objectives. We boast an impressive 100% success rate in all completed Chair and NED searches.
We have been proud partners with HW for many years, a mutual relationship based on great delivery and deep trust.
I had the pleasure of working with HW Global during the hiring process and they demonstrated extremely high levels of professionalism, always available to provide insights, updates, coaching and feedback. They not only focused on the hard skills and leadership, but also ensure the optimal culture and values fit. One of the rare firms that engages in post hiring follow up calls and mentoring, helping smooth onboarding and integration. Simply HWG act with warmth and care and I strongly recommend them for new career paths, recruitment and hiring service.
HW is not just an expert search partner, they are true business partner, bringing market insights and ongoing support following the placement. I have appreciated their trust, agility, and ability to connect to our culture to get the best fit for our organization.
I have worked with HW not only because of their people, search methodology and reach but the two areas where I think they are really different. Firstly, they truly listen. They take the time to understand your business strategy and people requirements and then they forensically select against these. Secondly, they take this strategic understanding and use this to really sell your business, giving access to exceptional candidates. They are thorough, supportive, flexible and overall great value and fun to work with. I would highly recommend and still use them today!
I have worked closely with the HW team for over five years on many difficult search assignments. They are a true business partner, focused on delivering quality outcomes at pace. HW are rigorous in approach, always engaging in direct and constructive dialogue and consistently following through and delivering against commitments. They are willing, capable and energized to take on more complex assignments that often require extensive market research and due diligence, whilst often working through ambiguity on the client side.
Working with HW has been a true partnership to find, narrow down and appoint talented, driven candidates for some of our most exciting roles at Mars. Despite some really tough briefs they have pushed through smiling and always come up trumps. A pleasure to work with and a true partner.
HW Global are a great talent partner. The team have worked with us on numerous senior executive commercial leadership roles. I have valued their approach to shaping a quality brief that holds the right tension between our needs and the industry realities, leveraging the quality insights they provide and the quality of the search process where they have an impressive reach, high trust with candidates and a philosophy of accountability and working together, to land the right business solution.
My experience with HWG has been beyond positive - very clear communication, amazing responsiveness and executional excellence through the process. Great clarity on status and next steps at any time. Couldn't be happier with the way the communication went even though there was significant ambiguity - I have always felt very well informed as to where we are, respected as an individual and most importantly well taken care of.
The first reason why I like working with HW is because they truly listen, investing enough time upfront on the context of the search before going to the job itself.
The second reason is because they “fish in different ponds”, translating in both a rigorous and creative manner the targeted job scope and the potential career paths that could lead into it.
Finally HW are a true thought partner and not "yes men" just focused on invoicing the fees, which means they do not hesitate to provide feedback on the search, hereby helping to sharpen it.
I cannot say enough wonderful things about my experience in partnering with this firm and how they made me feel valued and supported as a candidate in the recruiting process.
