Executive Recruiters Chicago
Premier Chicago executive search firm assisting businesses in discovering exceptional new leaders
Chicago's Top Executive Search Firm
Widely recognized as one of the leading Chicago executive search firms, Keller Executive Search specializes in placing transformational senior leaders across a broad range of industries and C-suite roles, such as CEO, COO, and CFO.
Our Chicago headhunters work with both large and small organizations, from startups to Fortune 500 enterprises. Our assignments range from corporate to nonprofit executive search. We have a deep understanding of the business environment in the Chicago area and the complex nature of hiring for senior executives.
Our executive search services are customized to our clients’ specific needs, challenges, and corporate culture, making sure they have access to exceptional talent. Keller Executive Search is among the best executive search firms in Chicago, Illinois, due to our outstanding placement track record, extensive experience, and partnership with NPAworldwide.
Chicago’s Executive Talent Market
Chicago, IL is the third-largest city in the US for major corporate headquarters, with 36 Fortune 500 headquarters. Major employers hiring executives include Boeing, Caterpillar, Abbott Laboratories, Baxter International, Allstate, and McDonald’s.
More than 4.7 million jobs exist in the Chicago metro area. The most in-demand executive leadership roles are in financial services, manufacturing, healthcare, technology, consumer goods, and professional services. Average C-suite pay in Chicago ranges from $285,000 for a VP to more than $1.2 million for a CEO, depending on the industry and size of the company.
Our Chicago executive search service covers the entire city, from the Downtown Loop and River North to the West Loop and Magnificent Mile, as well as business centers in the suburbs like Naperville, Schaumburg, Oak Brook, and Evanston. We serve all of the Chicagoland area, including Cook County, DuPage County, Lake County, Will County, Kane County, and McHenry County.
Successful Executive Placements in Chicago
Chief Finance Officer
Manufacturing Company
Chief People Officer
Healthcare Organization
Chief Technology Officer
Financial Technology Company
Chief Human Resources Officer
Consumer Goods Company
General Counsel
Financial Services Firm
Chief Executive Officer
Food and Beverage Company
Vice President of Supply Chain
Industrial Distribution Company
Chief Marketing Officer
E-Commerce Company
Chief Revenue Officer
Software as a Service Company
Our Executive Search Process
During our firm’s early years, we quickly learned that a generic recruitment approach that only considers qualifications and not leadership style or cultural fit rarely works for executive hiring. This knowledge forms the basis of our current search strategy.
We take a transparent, personalized approach that focuses on getting to know our client company’s culture, values, and leadership challenges, and strive to find candidates who align with these elements to be successful in the long term. We support our clients every step of the way, from talent sourcing to executive onboarding.
Role Definition
Our executive search consultants meet with the client, hiring managers, and important stakeholders to determine the exact business needs. They also define the position’s requirements, objectives, and salary range. With this information, we develop a detailed role scorecard to help us identify exceptional leaders and make objective hiring decisions.
Research
We conduct in-depth market mapping to understand where individuals with key skills currently work, benchmark compensation, and collect data on industry trends. This metrics-based methodology allows us to proactively identify and attract qualified executive talent, including both active candidates and accomplished executives who aren’t currently seeking a move, saving time and giving our client a competitive advantage.
Executive Assessment
We don’t just screen resumes. We use data-driven techniques such as behavioral and competency-based interviews to find the right person for the job. Our consultants also leverage AI-powered recruitment tools to analyze, rank, and shortlist candidates, so we can focus on the top talent instead of wasting time manually reviewing resumes.
Proposal and Offer Management
Our executive recruiters will create a shortlist of the best candidates for the position and provide full reports on each. We present these to the client, who has the final say on who they want to join their Chicago team. Our consultants are available to assist the parties in reaching an agreement by giving advice, answering questions, and resolving any issues that may prevent the offer from being accepted.
Beyond Placement
While our primary goal is delivering executive search solutions, we also provide strategic leadership advisory and consulting services to help develop sustainable talent pipelines and foster long-term retention. Some of our services include succession planning, leadership development, risk and compliance management, and compensation and benefits consulting.
Keller Executive Search provides access to the top executive search Chicago has to offer. Contact us today to begin your search.
Our Executive Search Expertise
Chicago’s competitive business environment demands executive recruiters who understand local nuances. Corporate banking, private equity, wealth management, and fintech drive the city’s economy, alongside 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 means we can provide leadership solutions to public, private, pre-IPO, and nonprofit organizations in a wide range of industries throughout the Midwest.
Some Areas We Specialize In
- Consumer and Retail Markets
- Energy and Natural Resources
- Engineering and Manufacturing
- Financial Services, Accounting, and Investment
- Healthcare and Life Sciences
- IT, Technology, and Digital Innovation
- Professional and Business Services
- Public and Nonprofit Sectors
- Real Estate and Construction
Examples of Roles We Recruit For
Keller Executive Search’s team is adept at finding the right people for a range of senior positions. We cover the entire C-suite, including Chief Executive Officers, Chief Financial Officers, and Chief Operations Officers. We also provide board services to help with the appointment of vice presidents, executive board members, and directors. Our headhunters know that the right leader can propel organizational excellence, while the wrong hire can cost you in productivity, resources, and revenue. That’s why we partner closely with companies to locate the right fit.
Check out our exclusive Insights below to read more about topics related to HR, recruiting, and executive search.
Why Choose Keller Executive Search In Chicago?
We know how important it is to understand a client’s organizational culture to ensure a successful search, and strive to identify leaders who will integrate well into existing teams. Our expert consultants look beyond credentials to consider emotional intelligence, work ethic, and other qualities that make a great leader. We also aim to maintain inclusive and unbiased searches.
Keller Executive Search makes the executive recruitment process easy with our deep industry expertise and vast network. We keep an open line of communication and act as a trusted partner and strategic advisor throughout each engagement, providing regular and detailed progress reports and market intelligence. With our help, you can attract the executive talent you need to fuel sustainable growth and long-term success.
Our Promise
Part of our mission is ensuring the protection of client and candidate information when organizations put their trust in us. All of our searches are carried out responsibly, ethically, 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 have a strong focus on matching our client with the right candidate, we recognize that things can still change. The chosen candidate may no longer be available for the role or may not meet expectations. We have a 365-day replacement program for these situations, which enables us to identify another suitable individual to fill the role if needed.
Contact us today to make an appointment with one of our experts.
Speak to a Consultant
Gretchen Shreve
HR Talent Acquisition Specialist
Gretchen has over 20 years of experience in human resources and talent acquisition across multiple industries and markets. She has partnered with organizations from high-growth startups to Fortune 500 companies, recruiting across C-suite, engineering, operations, and corporate functions.
Client Testimonials
"We were very impressed by Keller Executive Search'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 value Keller Executive Search's commitment to getting to know our needs and how our business works. They keep sending us terrific candidates."
- David T., HR Director
"We trust Keller Executive Search and keep going back to them because of their proactive 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
Our Office in Chicago
Address: 332 S Michigan Ave Suite #121-2161, Chicago, IL, 60604
Phone: 1-888-202-9809
Inquiry Sent
Case Studies
Closing the Gap Between Operations and Risk
The process yielded a candidate whose background was in line with the operational and advisory requirements of the role. The candidate went on to complete further interviews, accepted the offer, and signed the written contract. The client conducted all necessary background checks before the appointment was officially concluded. The chosen professional had broad experience in transportation, including process governance, partner qualification, security, and operational risk controls.
Placing a Player-Coach to Lead a Builder Sales Channel
After the final meeting with leadership, the organization selected a candidate with construction-adjacent exposure and hands-on experience in new-business development. They had also worked in relationship-driven sales environments that required consistent follow-through and had managed small commercial teams. The finalist was a reflection of the organization’s desire for a commercially active leader rather than a purely managerial profile. An official job offer was made, and the appointment was confirmed by the signed contract.
In Good Repair
The offer was accepted and the appointment was confirmed after a successful in-person visit to the facility. The placement provided the company with a dedicated Maintenance Coordinator with demonstrated machinery expertise and a solid technical foundation. Keller Executive Search placed a candidate who helped ensure operational continuity and upheld the facility’s certified food safety standards.
Keller Executive Search in the Press
How to Find a Job that Lets You Work and Travel at the Same Time
Keller Executive Search Senior Recruiter Julia Yurchak gives advice on how to land jobs that allow employees to travel and work in an article for VoM News. The article “Work and Travel? Expert Shares How to Find a Job That Lets You Do Both.” includes a guide on how to achieve the digital nomad lifestyle and stand out in this competitive landscape. Some strategies Julia mentioned that will allow you to travel the world while pursuing a career include: Freelancing or consulting: Traveling while you work requires some flexibility in your work schedule. Freelancing platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer...
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More Employees Say They Want to Work Remotely: Why Employers Should Offer Flexible Work Arrangements
Senior Recruitment Consultant Julia Yurchak of Keller Executive Search was quoted in a National Daily Press article about the rising demand among employees for employers to offer more opportunities for remote work. In the article “Why Employers Must Offer Remote Work – 70% of Candidates Say It’s a Top Priority.” Julia gave insights into why remote work options have become so important for employers trying to attract skilled employees. Julia shared some flexible working options businesses can consider where fully remote roles aren’t an option. Julia made the following important points in her commentary: Improved work-life balance and job satisfaction:...
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US TikTok Ban Could Hurt Both Influencers and the Economy
The spokesperson for Keller Executive Search, Ami Mandel, commented on the looming US ban on TikTok in an article for the International Business Times, “US Ban on TikTok Won’t Only Affect Influencers, It Could Impact the Economy Too.” He also discussed the potential consequences the ban could have on business relationships, customer engagement, and sales. Some highlights from the article: At the time of writing, TikTok had 100 million regular users in the United States. About 65% were full-time content creators. Brands promoting their products on TikTok reported sales growth of more than 100%. US lawmakers stepped up efforts to...
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30 Dallas Staffing Agencies and Recruiting Firms You Should Know
Keller Executive Search was featured on Built In, in a list of the top 30 staffing agencies and recruiting firms in Dallas. Partnering with a professional recruiting firm, even in a strong labor market, can be beneficial for both job seekers and employers. These firms often have direct contact with hiring managers for current and future job openings and industry-specific expertise. If you’re looking to grow your team in Dallas, Keller Executive Search identifies and appoints candidates for tech positions in various sectors, such as blockchain, SaaS, and IoT. It boasts a global database of candidates for executive search and...
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What to Do When You Evaluate Job Offers
In an article published on The Muse’s website in 2024, Keller Executive Search weighed in on how to evaluate a job offer, request more time to consider your options, and negotiate the offer. To make sure a job fits your professional goals, your idea of a good balance between work and your personal life, and your salary expectations, The Muse explains how important it is to take the time to truly consider any job offer you receive and pay attention to the details. Julia Yurchak, Keller Executive Search’s senior recruitment consultant, suggests taking between 24 and 48 hours to consider...
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The Benefits and Downsides of Transparency in Business
Talent sourcing, acquisition, and management specialist at Keller Executive Search, Julia Yurchak, commented on how to make your business more transparent in an article for Business.com, “How to Instill More Transparency in Your Business,” and the benefits of doing so. The article discussed when it is appropriate and beneficial to be transparent, as well as when sharing everything with all stakeholders can do more harm than good. In the past, only the owners and CEOs of privately held companies knew what was going on behind the scenes. Employees did not receive access to this information, supposedly to prevent internal conflict...
Read MoreFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Happens if Keller Executive Search Cannot Fill a Role?
Your Premier HR Partner
Tailored Excellence
Our dedicated senior consultants provide attention to detail at every stage of the search process, ensuring tailored results that exceed expectations
Nationwide / Global Talent Acquisition
Leveraging our extensive network, we identify and attract world-class leadership candidates from diverse backgrounds and locations
HR Advisory Services
We offer expert advice to optimize HR processes, boost efficiency, reduce workload, and increase employee retention and engagement.
Fast Turnaround time
Our consultants expedite searches, cutting time-to-hire while securing the best talent available.
Comprehensive Solutions
Beyond recruitment, we provide value-added services from organizational health to leadership development programs
Our Search Practices
We follow the highest industry standards when searching for talent for its clients.
Replacement Program
We contractually commit to replacing any hire that doesn't meet expectations.
Industry-Leading Assessments
We provide thorough evaluations, including personality insights, for shortlisted candidates.
Off-Limits Protection
We protect our clients' interests by marking their entire company workforce off-limits for our candidate sourcing. We prioritize your business excellence.
Dedicated Points of Contact
Every client has two points of contact. An account manager and a senior consultant This ensures fast & continued response
Unbiased Third-Party References
We conduct extensive background checks, covering credit, education, criminal, and employment history. We also perform security checks when needed.
