Premier Chicago executive search firm helping businesses find their next great leaders










Keller is widely recognized as one of the leading executive recruiters in Chicago, Illinois. We specialize in finding transformational leaders for a wide range of industries and C-suite roles, including CEO, COO, and CFO positions.
Our headhunters in Chicago work with organizations of various sizes, from startups to Fortune 500 companies. They have a deep understanding of Chicago’s business environment and the complexities of hiring for executive leadership positions.
We tailor our search services to meet our clients’ unique needs, challenges, and corporate culture, making sure they get access to the right candidates. Our proven track record of successful placements, extensive experience, and partnership with NPAworldwide make us one of the best executive search firms in Chicago.

During Keller’s formative years, we quickly realized that a generic recruitment approach that only looks at qualifications and not leadership style or cultural fit rarely works for senior recruitment. This knowledge is the foundation of our current search method.
We use a transparent, partner-led approach that focuses on getting to know our client company’s culture, values, and leadership challenges, making sure candidates align with these elements for long-term success. We provide support throughout the entire recruitment process, from talent sourcing to onboarding.
Our recruitment consultants meet with the client, hiring managers, and important stakeholders to understand the specific needs of the business. They also define the role requirements, objectives, and salary range. With this information, we craft a comprehensive role scorecard for identifying top performers and making objective hiring decisions.
We conduct in-depth market mapping to find out where individuals with key skills currently work, benchmark compensation, and gather data on industry trends. We use this metrics-based methodology to proactively identify and attract qualified executive talent, including active and passive candidates, which saves time and gives our client a competitive advantage.
We go beyond basic resume screening, using data-driven strategies such as behavioral and competency-based interviews to find the best person for the job. Our consultants also leverage AI-powered recruitment tools to analyze, rank, and shortlist candidates, allowing us to focus on the top talent instead of wasting time manually sifting through resumes.
Our executive recruiters compile a shortlist and detailed reports on the most suitable candidates for the position. We present these to the client, who has the final say on who they want to hire. To help the parties come to a close, our consultants remain available to give advice, answer questions, and address any issues that could hinder offer acceptance.
While Keller’s primary goal is delivering executive search solutions, we also offer strategic leadership advisory and consulting services to help build sustainable talent pipelines and promote long-term retention. Some of our services include succession planning, risk and compliance management, and compensation and benefits consulting.
Keller offers access to the top executive recruiters in Chicago. Contact us today to begin your search.

Chicago’s competitive business landscape demands executive recruiters with an in-depth knowledge of local nuances. The city is a hub for corporate banking, private equity, wealth management, and fintech, as well as logistics, transportation, engineering, and technology.
Our team consists of dedicated professionals with nearly two decades of combined hands-on experience in executive search, representing a wide variety of industries. Their expertise allows us to provide leadership solutions to public, private, pre-IPO, and nonprofit organizations in various sectors.
Keller’s executive search team excels at finding the right people for a range of high-level jobs. We cover the entire C-suite, including Chief Executive Officers, Chief Financial Officers, and Chief Operating Officers. We also help appoint vice presidents, board members, and directors. Our headhunters know that the right leader can drive organizational excellence, while a mis-hire can result in significant losses in productivity, resources, and revenue. That’s why we partner closely with companies to find the best fit.
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Keller is a member of NPAworldwide with both deep local knowledge and national reach. We find executive talent in the top 1% of their fields through a collaborative approach that we adapt to meet the specific needs of organizations.
We know the importance of understanding a client’s organizational culture for a successful search, and strive to find individuals who will fit in with existing teams. Our expert consultants look beyond credentials to consider work ethic, emotional intelligence, and other aspects that make a great leader. We also keep searches inclusive and free from unconscious bias.
Keller simplifies the executive search process with our vast network and industry expertise. We maintain transparent communication, acting as strategic advisors who provide regular, detailed progress reports and market intelligence. With our help, you can get the talent you need to achieve sustainable success.
Part of our mission is to protect user data when organizations put their trust in us. Each of our searches is conducted ethically, responsibly, and confidentially, with respect for the safety and privacy of our clientele. We follow strict non-disclosure agreements and we have an off-limits policy against poaching talent from our clients’ workforce.
Although we focus on finding the right person for our client, we acknowledge that circumstances can change. The chosen candidate may no longer be available for the role or fall short of expectations. We offer a 365-day replacement program for these situations, which allows us to find another suitable individual to fill the role.
Contact Keller today to schedule an appointment with one of our experts.
"We were very impressed with Keller's all-around approach. This is the second time we've worked with them, and they really know how to find the best people for the job."
- Mike J., Head of Recruitment
"We appreciate Keller's commitment to getting to know our needs and how our business works. They keep sending us great candidates."
- David T., HR Director
"We trust Keller and keep going back to them for their strategic approach to hiring. We owe a lot of our success to Keller's team, and we are very happy with the quality of the candidates they send us."
- Anita H., Senior HR Manager