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Chief Executive Officers FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Meet specialized recruiters who will connect you with leaders ready to step into your most important C-suite role.

“I’ve always been so impressed by your network, deep firsthand understanding of what ‘great’ looks like for PE and your ability to run down trusted back channels from trusted sponsors and that all came to bear here in such a meaningful way.”

PE Firm Managing Director, Talent

TRUSTED BY HUNDREDS OF PRIVATE EQUITY FIRMS AND THOUSANDS OF PROACTIVE BUSINESSES

Why Trust BluWave for your CEO search?

You need a full-time CEO who can drive results, and BluWave already knows the top executive recruiters for the world’s best finance leaders. We’ll connect you with a short list of expert CEO recruiting firms within 24 hours of contacting our team. Get matched by industry, company size, revenue models and specific business needs with firms from our exclusive, pre-vetted network.

200+ CEO Recruiters

40+ Industries

<24 H Get connected

Advantages

Expedient hiring process

Proven candidates

CEOs in your area

Extensive network

Project-specific vetting

Simple, consultative process

Expedient hiring process

CEO Recruitment with BluWave

Lightning-fast interview process

Double-verified recommendations

Available CEOs who are local to you

Robust bench of experts

Tailored hires for specific projects

BluWave’s hands-on, white-glove service

Connect with best-fit, pre-vetted resources

Generalist CEO Search firms

Lengthy 5-6 month hiring process

Commitments to unproven candidates

Remote CEOs who need to relocate

Limited word-of-mouth references

Non-specialized & generalist candidates

Self-serve platform to learn and navigate

Hassles of traditional hiring evaluations

CEO Recruiting Firms On Demand

CEO Search Firm Dedicated to Private Equity Portfolio Companies and Growth-Driven Leadership
CEO Search Firm Dedicated to Private Equity Portfolio Companies and Growth-Driven Leadership
Experts in CEO Recruitment for Strategic Growth, Operational Excellence, and Value Creation
This retained executive search firm specializes in recruiting CEOs for private equity-backed portfolio companies and growth-focused organizations nationwide. With more than 85 years of combined expertise, they understand the unique demands of scaling businesses and the importance of strategic leadership in high-growth environments. Leveraging deep industry insight, they connect clients with CEOs who are skilled in driving operational excellence, aligning with investor expectations and creating long-term value. The firm’s tailored approach ensures that companies gain leaders who can effectively navigate growth trajectories and deliver measurable impact.
CONNECT WITH THIS RECRUITER
Service Provider ID 79431
CEO Search Firm Specializing in Leadership for Middle-Market, Emerging Growth Companies
CEO Search Firm Specializing in Leadership for Middle-Market, Emerging Growth Companies
Focused on CEO Recruitment for Strategic Vision, Revenue Growth and Cultural Alignment
This CEO search firm is dedicated to placing transformative leaders in middle-market and emerging growth companies, connecting clients with CEOs who excel in strategic vision, operational scaling and cultural alignment. Known for its tailored search approach, the firm sources candidates with a proven track record in driving revenue growth and aligning business goals with long-term strategies. With expertise spanning multiple industries, they ensure clients gain CEOs who can guide their organizations through critical growth stages while fostering a strong, values-driven culture.
CONNECT WITH THIS RECRUITER
Service Provider ID 89132
CEO Search Firm Focused on Strategic Leadership for Sustainability, Growth
CEO Search Firm Focused on Strategic Leadership for Sustainability, Growth
Experts in CEO Recruitment for Operational Efficiency, Long-Term Value
This CEO search firm specializes in recruiting leaders with expertise in sustainability frameworks, catering to companies seeking to integrate responsible growth into their core strategy. With a focus on CEOs skilled in operational efficiency and sustainable value creation, the firm helps clients secure leaders who understand the evolving regulatory and market landscapes. Their tailored approach connects organizations with CEOs who can align business growth with environmental and social impact, fostering resilience and stakeholder confidence.
CONNECT WITH THIS RECRUITER
Service Provider ID 24733
CEO Search Firm Specializing in Leadership for Private Equity, Public Companies
CEO Search Firm Specializing in Leadership for Private Equity, Public Companies
Experts in CEO Recruitment for Strategic Growth, Industry Expertise and Investor Alignment
This retained CEO search firm is known for its expertise in recruiting transformational leaders for private equity-backed and publicly traded companies. With a team of former executives, investors, and industry specialists, the firm understands the unique demands of leadership within high-growth and complex environments. Focused on finding CEOs with deep industry knowledge, operational expertise and the ability to align with investor objectives, they provide companies with strategic leaders who are equipped to drive growth, scalability, and shareholder value.
CONNECT WITH THIS RECRUITER
Service Provider ID 23591
Global CEO Search Firm with Extensive International Reach, Proven Track Record
Global CEO Search Firm with Extensive International Reach, Proven Track Record
Specialists in CEO Recruitment for Strategic Vision, Cross-Border Expertise and Leadership Longevity
This CEO search firm is a global leader in executive recruitment, renowned for its international network and consistent client satisfaction. With more than 200 senior-level partners across 22 countries, they specialize in identifying CEOs who bring strategic vision, cross-border expertise and leadership longevity. Known for their hands-on approach and high success rate, they connect companies with CEOs who can lead diverse teams, manage complex global operations and foster sustainable growth. Their commitment to client retention underscores a reputation for delivering impactful leadership.
CONNECT WITH THIS RECRUITER
Service Provider ID 61588
Boutique CEO Search Firm with Deep Expertise in Consumer, Retail, Industrial Sectors
Boutique CEO Search Firm with Deep Expertise in Consumer, Retail, Industrial Sectors
Specialists in CEO Recruitment for Operational Excellence, Growth Strategy and Industry-Specific Leadership
This boutique executive search firm is dedicated to recruiting CEOs for industries such as consumer products, retail, industrial services, and private equity-backed companies. Known for its industry specialization, the firm connects clients with CEOs who bring a blend of operational excellence, strategic growth acumen and a nuanced understanding of sector-specific challenges. Their personalized approach ensures that organizations find leaders equipped to drive profitability, enhance competitive positioning and adapt to evolving market demands.
CONNECT WITH THIS RECRUITER
Service Provider ID 24780

Client Testimonials

Why Business Leaders Use BluWave

We are thrilled by the growth that the company has experienced so far and look forward to seeing it reach another level under the new CEO’s leadership. We could not imagine finding a more perfect leader to take the team through the next phase of growth.

Co-Founder, PE Firm

They were professional, moved quickly, very organized and thorough, and ultimately helped us land what we believe will be a tremendous CEO both at this investments and potentially someone who could be a multiple-time CEO.

Partner, PE Firm

Highly recommend them for anything auto-related. Really great working with each of them. Highly engaged and gave us their all on the search.

Head of Talent Operations, PE Firm

CEO RECRUITING SERVICES

Identifying Ideal CEO Candidates
Identifying Ideal CEO Candidates
Recruiters identify CEO candidates who have the strategic vision and leadership qualities needed to guide your organization toward long-term growth and stability.
Evaluating CEO Leadership Skills
Evaluating CEO Leadership Skills
Recruiters assess a CEO’s leadership ability to drive company-wide initiatives, manage teams and lead in a way that aligns with your organization’s goals.
Advising on CEO Compensation
Advising on CEO Compensation
Expert recruiters provide insights into competitive CEO compensation packages, ensuring the right balance to attract top talent while aligning with industry standards.
Assessing Strategic Vision
Assessing Strategic Vision
Recruiters evaluate a candidate’s ability to develop and execute a strategic vision, ensuring they can lead the company toward sustainable growth and innovation.
CEO Succession Planning
CEO Succession Planning
Executive recruiters help facilitate seamless CEO succession, ensuring smooth transitions that safeguard organizational stability and leadership continuity.
Cultural Fit Evaluation
Cultural Fit Evaluation
Recruiters evaluate potential CEO candidates to ensure their values and leadership style align with the company’s culture, fostering long-term organizational success.
Managing CEO Onboarding
Managing CEO Onboarding
Recruiters assist in onboarding new CEOs, helping them adapt quickly to the company’s leadership team, establish their priorities and build critical relationships.
Providing Market Insights
Providing Market Insights
Recruiters provide critical market insights on CEO talent availability, leadership trends and industry shifts to help you make informed, strategic hiring decisions.
CEO Interview Process Support
CEO Interview Process Support
From early screening to final interviews, recruiters support a comprehensive CEO interview process to thoroughly assess each candidate for strategic and cultural fit.
Ensuring Long-Term CEO Retention
Ensuring Long-Term CEO Retention
Recruiters develop retention strategies for CEOs, ensuring long-term commitment through career growth opportunities and alignment with the company’s long-term goals.

WHEN TO HIRE A CEO

Your CEO resigned and the company needs new leadership immediately

You’re seeking a CEO with turnaround experience to lead a major business shift

Your company is entering a new growth phase

You want to assess both internal and external candidates for the CEO role

“Businesses facing executive vacancies should engage interim executives to keep critical initiatives moving forward, ensuring the chosen candidate’s skills and experience align closely with the company’s needs.”

Keenan Kolinsky

Managing Director, Head of Research & Operations

Client Success Stories

CEO Search for Rapid Expansion of Residential Services Portco

Leadership Search for Rapidly Growing Home Services Company

A new Chief Executive Officer with more than 20 years of experience was appointed to lead the company. He had previously worked in route-based businesses, including successful merger and acquisition strategies, and was the ideal candidate to lead the company through its growth and consolidation plans.

Specialized Recruiter for Automotive Supplier CEO

Experienced Leader for Automotive Supplier

The firm successfully hired a highly qualified CEO who not only met their criteria but also had the potential to serve as a multiple-time CEO within their portfolio. This strategic hire has already driven significant growth and stability for the automotive supplier.

Recruiting a Turnaround CEO for Sporting Goods Manufacturer

Recruiting a Leader for Transformation

Thanks to the selected firm’s search, an accomplished CEO with a stellar track record in the sporting goods sector emerged as the ideal fit. This visionary leader not only brought industry expertise but also the ability to deftly manage the complex supply chain and tackle pricing dilemmas head-on. The company was not only stabilized, but began to thrive again under its new leadership.

Private Equity CFO: Resources

Female leader celebrating success with coworkers in conference room. Multi ethnic business team stacking hands together. Happy team members clapping hands during meeting

Visionary Growth CEO for Philanthropic Advisory

The chosen search firm presented a CEO with expertise extended across professional services and private equity. This visionary leader’s background encompassed transforming businesses within the professional services realm, backed by private equity experience.

Interim chief financial officer

Specialist Executive Search Firms

Learn more about BluWave’s white-glove executive search service.

A women in a black sleeveless dress standing at the end of a glass table in a business meeting. There are high glass windows behind. It's a clear day.

CEO Search for D2C Water Filtration Company

The executive search firm identified through BluWave’s network delivered top-tier candidates, ultimately helping the PE firm hire the right CEO for its portfolio company. This new leadership positioned the company to capitalize on its D2C business model and execute on its growth strategy in the water filtration market.

FAQs: BluWave CEO Recruiters

What does a CEO recruiter do?
A CEO recruiter specializes in finding, evaluating and placing top executive talent for the CEO role. They assess leadership skills, strategic vision and cultural fit to ensure the CEO aligns with the company’s goals and values.
Why should a company use a CEO recruiter?
Companies use CEO recruiters to ensure they find the best leadership for their organization. Recruiters bring expertise in executive hiring, industry insights and access to a broad network of top-tier CEO candidates.
How do CEO recruiters find candidates?
CEO recruiters utilize industry connections, executive networks and advanced search techniques to identify suitable CEO candidates. They also vet candidates through interviews, background checks and skill assessments to ensure a good fit.
When is it necessary to hire a CEO recruiter?
Companies typically hire a CEO recruiter when undergoing leadership transitions, experiencing growth, or needing a leader with specific skills to drive strategic change. A recruiter can streamline the process and find the right executive talent.
How do CEO recruiters evaluate candidates?
CEO recruiters evaluate candidates based on their leadership experience, strategic vision, industry knowledge and ability to lead through transformation. They also assess soft skills like communication, decision-making and cultural fit.
How long does it take to hire a CEO with a recruiter?
The timeline for hiring a CEO through a recruiter can take anywhere from 90 to 180 days, depending on the complexity of the search and the availability of qualified candidates. By working with BluWave, you can get to the search stage much faster by connecting with a trusted recruiting firm.
What industries do CEO recruiters specialize in?
CEO recruiters often specialize in industries such as technology, healthcare, finance, manufacturing and consumer goods, helping them find leaders with the right expertise for each sector.
How much does it cost to hire a CEO recruiter?
The cost of hiring a CEO recruiter typically ranges from 25% to 35% of the CEO’s first-year salary. This fee covers the recruiter’s efforts to source, vet and place the right executive.
Can CEO recruiters help with interim CEO roles?
While CEO recruiters also perform interim CEO placements, BluWave already knows the top temporary business leaders for your industry, company size and exact situation. The BluWave team will quickly identify candidates who can step into temporary roles to run your company. during periods of transition or while searching for a full-time chief executive officer.
What makes a good CEO recruiter?
A good CEO recruiter has deep industry knowledge, strong connections in the executive space and a thorough understanding of the skills and leadership qualities needed to drive long-term success for the organization. BluWave already knows the groups that will connect you with the top PE-grade candidates for your exact situation.