Services

Exec Capital is a UK executive search firm. We recruit chief executives, managing directors, the wider C-suite and board members, on permanent, interim and fractional terms. This page brings every service together so you can find the right one quickly. If you are not sure which fits, tell us about your hire and we will recommend an approach.

Every search is run by our specialist team, with Adrian Lawrence FCA overseeing each mandate. Exec Capital is part of FD Capital Group, so candidate networks are shared with our sister firms covering finance leadership, non-executive appointments and FCA senior manager functions.

Permanent executive search

Retained search for permanent C-suite and director appointments. We define the role with you, map the market, approach candidates directly (most of the people we place were not looking), assess them in depth and manage the process through offer and onboarding. Our search methodology sets out each stage, and the retained vs contingent guide explains how fees are structured.

Interim and fractional executives

When a business needs senior capability now, or needs it part-time, a flexible appointment is often the better answer. Interim executives work full-time for a fixed period, typically to cover a gap, lead a programme or steady a business. Fractional executives work a set number of days a week or month on an ongoing basis.

Board, chair and non-executive appointments

We recruit chairs, non-executive directors, committee chairs and senior independent directors, from first independent appointments at growing companies to listed and regulated boards.

FCA-regulated firms

Senior appointments in regulated firms carry an extra layer: many require approval as a senior manager function under the Senior Managers and Certification Regime. We recruit chief executives, chairs, risk and compliance leaders and other senior managers, and factor the approval process into the timetable.

Talent acquisition and transformation

Some clients need more than a single hire: a senior hiring process designed for a scaling business, a talent partner across several roles, or leaders to run a defined change programme.

International and UK coverage

We work with international businesses hiring their first UK leaders, and with UK firms hiring across regions. See all locations and sectors.

How to choose between permanent, interim and fractional

The right model depends on what the business needs from the role and for how long. A permanent hire through executive search suits a role that is central to the long-term plan, where the business needs someone to own the function for years and build a team around them. Interim suits a gap or a defined programme: a departure that left no successor, a turnaround, a sale process or a regulatory remediation, where the business needs a full-time leader now and for a fixed period. Fractional suits a business that needs senior judgement but not a full-time seat, typically a growing company that is not yet ready to carry the cost of a permanent C-suite.

Many clients use more than one model over time: an interim CFO to steady the finance function while a permanent search runs, or a fractional COO who later converts to a permanent role as the business grows. Our guide to fractional, interim and permanent hiring sets out the trade-offs in more detail.

How a search works

• Brief. We agree the role, the outcomes it must deliver, the package, the timetable and how candidates will be assessed.
• Market mapping. We identify the organisations and individuals who fit, including people who are not looking for a move.
• Approach and assessment. We approach candidates directly, interview them in depth and take early references where appropriate.
• Shortlist. You receive a shortlist with a written assessment of each candidate against the brief.
• Interviews to offer. We manage interviews, feedback, the offer, counter-offer risk and the notice period.
• Onboarding. We stay in touch with you and the appointee through the first months in role.

For regulated roles, the timetable also has to allow for regulatory approval of senior managers, which we plan in from the start. The confidential search guide explains how we handle searches where the incumbent is still in post.

Fees

Permanent executive searches are charged as a fee linked to the first-year package, with the payment stages agreed with you at the outset. Interim and fractional appointments are usually charged as a day rate that includes our margin. We agree terms in writing before work starts, and we will tell you plainly if we think a different model would cost you less.

Guides and resources

Our Knowledge Centre holds salary guides, how-to-hire guides and job descriptions for every C-suite role, and the executive salary guide is a good starting point for setting a package. We also publish a podcast and run occasional events. Senior candidates can register here.

For wider context on senior hiring, the Institute of Directors publishes guidance for directors and boards, and the CIPD factsheets cover recruitment practice.