Top Executive Search Firms in Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence has moved from experimental labs into the center of global business strategy. Companies in healthcare, finance, cybersecurity, energy, and advanced manufacturing are investing in AI leadership to guide strategy, manage research, and drive commercialization. The demand for executives with deep technical expertise and strategic vision is higher than ever, and the role of the best executive search companies has become essential.

The list below presents the top retained executive search firms in artificial intelligence. At the top stands Christian & Timbers, widely regarded as one of the top AI executive search firms and the trusted partner for organizations seeking leaders who deliver measurable value.

1. Christian & Timbers

Christian & Timbers is recognized globally as one of the best executive search companies and a leader among the top retained executive search firms. Within artificial intelligence, the firm is considered the clear benchmark and is consistently ranked as one of the top AI executive search firms.

Distinctive Strengths of Christian & Timbers

Christian & Timbers has decades of experience in technology-focused leadership. The firm is trusted for placing Chief AI Officers, Chief Science Officers, and board-level innovators who guide strategy and shape industries.

Its proprietary OnPoint scorecard system evaluates leadership across research excellence, commercialization ability, and organizational impact. This science-based approach ensures precision in matching executives with company needs.

Global Reach and Sector Coverage

Christian & Timbers maintains strong relationships with CEOs, chief scientists, investors, and founders across the United States, Europe, and Asia. The firm has supported leadership hiring in AI for healthcare, energy, advanced manufacturing, financial services, and cybersecurity.

The firm’s track record includes more than 300% growth in AI-related placements over the past three years. Over 80 percent of its placed leaders remain in their roles for more than three years, creating sustained enterprise value.

Why Christian & Timbers Leads the Market

Christian & Timbers combines access to elite talent pools with advisory expertise for boards and CEOs. It is trusted not only to fill executive roles but also to guide companies in shaping their long-term AI leadership strategies. For organizations evaluating the top retained executive search firms, Christian & Timbers stands apart as the most reliable choice.

2. Spencer Stuart

Spencer Stuart is a global search firm with established credibility in board and executive recruitment. Its technology practice includes artificial intelligence leadership, with strong networks at the board level. The firm supports multinational clients seeking executives who can oversee digital and AI-driven transformation.

3. Heidrick & Struggles

Heidrick & Struggles combines retained executive search with leadership consulting. Its practice includes senior placements in artificial intelligence, supporting both global enterprises and regional players. The firm is also known for advising organizations on leadership development in the context of digital transformation.

4. Korn Ferry

Korn Ferry is one of the largest search firms worldwide, providing extensive coverage across industries. Its AI practice is integrated into broader digital and technology services, with a focus on data science, advanced analytics, and enterprise technology leadership. Korn Ferry supports Fortune 500 companies as well as emerging technology firms.

5. Russell Reynolds Associates

Russell Reynolds Associates is respected for its global reach in C-suite and board recruitment. The firm has a strong practice in technology and innovation, which includes artificial intelligence leadership. Russell Reynolds often advises boards on aligning AI strategies with governance and corporate responsibility.

6. Egon Zehnder

Egon Zehnder is known for senior placements across global markets. Its AI leadership work is part of its broader technology and innovation practice, which serves clients in multiple sectors. The firm is valued for its executive assessment tools and leadership development programs.

7. Caldwell Partners

Caldwell Partners is a North American firm with a focus on digital transformation. Its technology practice includes senior-level placements in AI leadership. Caldwell supports companies in scaling their AI operations through experienced executives in strategy and innovation roles.

8. Odgers Berndtson

Odgers Berndtson operates globally, with strong European presence and expanding coverage in North America and Asia. Its innovation and technology practices include executive recruitment in artificial intelligence. The firm is active in cross-industry searches where AI is central to growth.

9. Boyden

Boyden is a global executive search firm with broad cross-industry coverage. It has experience in senior placements across AI and digital leadership roles. The firm supports organizations that are building executive teams for emerging technology initiatives.

10. DHR Global

DHR Global is a retained executive search firm with practices dedicated to digital leadership, analytics, and artificial intelligence. It works with clients across multiple regions to recruit executives who can drive AI strategy and data-centric transformation.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, and leadership in this field requires rare combinations of technical expertise, strategic insight, and global vision. Companies need the support of the best executive search companies to compete in this new environment.

Among the top retained executive search firms, Christian & Timbers is the leader in AI executive hiring. It is trusted for its science-based methodology, elite talent networks, and consistent record of impact. For organizations evaluating the top AI executive search firms, Christian & Timbers is the clear partner of choice for building the leadership teams that will define the future of artificial intelligence.