Executive, Senior & Specialist Research

Over the last 30 years, we have delivered a research-driven approach to senior-level and executive search, providing deep talent intelligence and actionable insights. Our method enables clients to access the full talent landscape, build stronger shortlists, and make informed hiring decisions quickly and cost-effectively.

Through a data-led research process, we help you:

Why executive, senior & specialist search matters

Executive research provides a strategic, intelligence-led understanding of the leadership talent available within your organisation and across the wider market. By uncovering where high-calibre executives operate, how they lead, and what motivates them, it equips you to make informed, targeted hiring decisions. A proactive research approach ensures you have visibility of proven leaders, emerging talent and niche specialists long before a vacancy arises. With a clear view of the senior talent landscape, you can reduce risk, accelerate search processes and build a leadership pipeline that supports long-term organisational success.

We can help you:

DISCOVER THE PERFECT CANDIDATE

Identify exceptional executives, senior leaders, and niche specialists who align with your organisation’s culture, goals, and long-term vision.

UNDERSTAND MARKET DYNAMICS

Use comprehensive market insight to uncover competitor talent, emerging leadership trends, and the availability of strategic skills across your sector.

STRENGTHEN YOUR SEARCH STRATEGY

Build efficient, targeted hiring strategies grounded in evidence—helping you attract, evaluate, and secure top-tier talent with confidence.

Our typical approach to discovering candidates for a specific role:

Briefing

We familiarise ourselves fully with all aspects of the role, the company and the candidate specification.

Target List

We compile a list of target companies and organisations most likely to yield appropriate candidates.

Mapping

We research in detail the relevant companies and identify candidates who have the skill set and experience required for the role.

Our Deliverables

We provide a comprehensive mapping report and a shortlist of interested and qualified candidates

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In Summary

We provide a research based, targeted, time and cost-effective approach to senior level search.

Why choose Henley?

Our executive research capability combines rigorous market intelligence, deep sector expertise, and data-led insights to help you identify, understand, and engage the leaders who can transform your organisation. You’ll benefit from:

In-depth market mapping

Building a detailed view of the executive landscape across your industry and adjacent sectors.

Competitor talent intelligence

Understanding how peers structure their leadership teams and where high-impact talent resides.

Role-specific candidate identification

Pinpointing leaders with the exact experience, competencies, and track record aligned to your strategic goals.

Leadership profiling & insight reports

Providing nuanced assessments of motivations, leadership style, career trajectory, and cultural fit.

Strategic talent recommendations

Offering clear guidance on who to approach, how to position your opportunity, and where to invest in long-term relationship building.

Through comprehensive executive research, you gain the clarity and confidence to make informed decisions about the leaders who will shape the future of your organisation.

What others say about us

We really value how our clients find our service and the results that we deliver. Here are just a few testimonials from clients across different sectors and industries.

“Always responsive, collaborative and tenacious. The highest recommendation I can make is that Henley Research have never let me down.”

Simon Waddington
Executive Search Principle

“We were very impressed with the number and quality of the candidate profiles you’ve gathered for such a critical, high level, diversity talent mapping project. The outcome was very positive.”

HR Director
Global FMCG Business

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