Executive Search &
Headhunting Services

Q: How long does an executive search typically take?

Novo’s typical timeline: Most searches move quickly, but never at the expense of quality. Novo’s typical timelines: Shortlist development within 3 to 4 weeks Offer stage often reached within 6 to 8 weeks Full completion typically within 8 to 12 weeks What influences timing: Seniority and complexity of the role Availability of candidates and stakeholders Market conditions in that sector We balance pace with rigour. The aim is not just to hire quickly, but to hire well.

Q: What does Novo Executive do?

Novo Executive is a UK-based executive search and headhunting firm. We help organisations identify, approach and hire senior leaders for C-suite, board and key director-level roles through a confidential, research-led search process.

Q: Where does Novo Executive operate, and are you a UK firm or global headhunter?

Novo Executive is headquartered in the United Kingdom and works across the UK and internationally. We understand the UK market in depth while regularly delivering cross-border searches when clients need access to leadership talent in Europe and other global markets.

Q: What seniority levels does Novo Executive recruit for?

We focus on senior leadership roles, including C-suite (such as CEO, CFO, COO and CCO), board positions, non-executive directors and critical functional leadership roles. directors. We do not typically recruit for junior or mid-level roles.

Q: What services does Novo Executive provide?

Our core service is retained executive search and headhunting for senior appointments. We also support succession planning, leadership team build-outs and interim or project-based leadership needs through our network.

Advancing client performance through the appointment of outstanding leadership talent.

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Executive Search Specialists

Our services provide competitive advantage to clients. Our proven research-based methodologies provide access to exceptional talent, unavailable through other recruitment routes

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Strategic Impact

We enable clients to strategically transform their businesses by appointing exceptional executives

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Sector Experience

Our people are experts in their sectors. Our retained clients include a diverse range of private sector, public sector and not for profit organisations

Our sectors Watch the Video

Client Feedback

"Thanks to Novo for all their support and professionalism in helping us appoint an excellent Director. Your contribution has been much appreciated"

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Confidential Executive Search

Confidentiality and discretion are cornerstones of our work

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Diversity

We help clients build diverse, senior leadership teams and more equitable workplace cultures

Insights

Executive Search in the Logistics, Supply Chain, and Distribution Sector

Expert Witness Services in Executive Disputes

Executive Search in Defence and National Security: Leadership for a Sector Expanding Under Pressure

Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Rebounding Strongly in 2026

Transformational Executive Leadership Across Life Sciences, Healthcare and Wellness

Leadership Demand in the Green Economy and Sustainability Sector

The UK Tech Sector in 2026: What Executives in the Technology Sector Want Now

From Expectations to Essentials: What 2026 Executive Candidates Will Prioritise

Executive Hiring Trends for 2026: What’s Next?

The Shifting Leadership Landscape: What 2026 Will Demand from Boards

The New Rules of Executive Hiring, What 2025 Taught Every Board

The Reasons Female Executives Get Ahead Quickly but Leave Sooner

The Quiet Power of Interim Executive Leaders in Uncertain Markets

Will Workplace Leaders Still Exist in 2030?

Interim Executive Management: From Gap-Filler to Strategic Stabiliser

How to Tell if Your Leadership Team is Holding Back Growth

The Quiet Power of Continuity: Executive Board Changes Across UK Companies in 2025

Culture Isn’t Soft: Why Boards Must Lead with Cultural Intelligence

Why Culture Shapes Digital Change

How Leadership Breaks Down and What Resilient Organisations Do Differently

The Modern CHRO: From Policy Guardian to Boardroom Powerhouse

Leadership Agility: The New Competitive Advantage

Why Hiring Strategy Starts with Culture

Rethinking Support for an Ageing Workforce

The Rise of Job Hugging in the UK

Executive Search in the Logistics, Supply Chain, and Distribution Sector

Expert Witness Services in Executive Disputes

Executive Search in Defence and National Security: Leadership for a Sector Expanding Under Pressure

Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Rebounding Strongly in 2026

Transformational Executive Leadership Across Life Sciences, Healthcare and Wellness

Leadership Demand in the Green Economy and Sustainability Sector

The UK Tech Sector in 2026: What Executives in the Technology Sector Want Now

From Expectations to Essentials: What 2026 Executive Candidates Will Prioritise

Executive Hiring Trends for 2026: What’s Next?

The Shifting Leadership Landscape: What 2026 Will Demand from Boards

The New Rules of Executive Hiring, What 2025 Taught Every Board

The Reasons Female Executives Get Ahead Quickly but Leave Sooner

The Quiet Power of Interim Executive Leaders in Uncertain Markets

Will Workplace Leaders Still Exist in 2030?

Interim Executive Management: From Gap-Filler to Strategic Stabiliser

How to Tell if Your Leadership Team is Holding Back Growth

The Quiet Power of Continuity: Executive Board Changes Across UK Companies in 2025

Culture Isn’t Soft: Why Boards Must Lead with Cultural Intelligence

Why Culture Shapes Digital Change

How Leadership Breaks Down and What Resilient Organisations Do Differently

The Modern CHRO: From Policy Guardian to Boardroom Powerhouse

Leadership Agility: The New Competitive Advantage

Why Hiring Strategy Starts with Culture

Rethinking Support for an Ageing Workforce

The Rise of Job Hugging in the UK

How we help:

We identify and engage with exceptional leaders who move organisations forward. Our global reach and sector insight allow us to design searches that match your ambitions with remarkable talent.

The result is clarity, confidence and access to leaders who shape the future of your organisation.

Executive Search Interim Management International Search

M&A Consulting Senior Management Recruitment

Global Presence

Case Studies

Scaling a £10m Recycling Division at Smiths News Through Strategic MD Appointment

Technology Post-Acquisition Non-Payment Dispute, Appointed by Top 50 Law Firm

Appointed by Top 20 UK Law Firm in Infrastructure Workplace Accident Compensation Case

Appointed by Top 10 UK Law Firm in Manufacturing Wrongful Dismissal Case

Appointed by Top 10 Global Law Firm in Financial Services Misconduct Dispute

Appointing an MD to Lead GCC Expansion & Strengthen Operations at Jubaili Bros (Dubai, UAE)

Appointing a Director of Commercial Finance to Strengthen Strategic Performance Across Starbucks EMEA

Strengthening Dryrobe’s Board to Support International Growth with an NED Appointment

Appointing an Interim COO to Stabilise and Scale a High-Growth Software Business

Strengthening a Biotech Business for IPO Through Interim CFO Leadership

Appointing an Interim MD to Stabilise and Restructure an Engineering & Manufacturing Business

Stabilising Operations at a Critical Moment: Interim Leadership for a Major International Airport

Identifying a Managing Director to Lead Strategic Growth for a Market-Leader in the PropTech Sector

Appointing a Chief Financial Officer to Support Global Growth in a Leading Architectural Practice

Strengthening Digital Leadership at Gatwick Airport with a Director of IT Appointment

Strategic Succession: Managing Director Hired to Drive Akela Construction Forward

Gentex Corporation Appoints Human Resources Director to Lead European People Strategy

Executive Search Success: Technical Innovation and Commercial Lead Placements for tesa SE

Securing Strategic Leadership: Director of the Executive Office Hired for World Sailing

Appointing Leadership for Impact: Uniting Operational Excellence Across Two Businesses

Hiring an Operations Director to Power Addo Play Global Growth

Scaling a £10m Recycling Division at Smiths News Through Strategic MD Appointment

Technology Post-Acquisition Non-Payment Dispute, Appointed by Top 50 Law Firm

Appointed by Top 20 UK Law Firm in Infrastructure Workplace Accident Compensation Case

Appointed by Top 10 UK Law Firm in Manufacturing Wrongful Dismissal Case

Appointed by Top 10 Global Law Firm in Financial Services Misconduct Dispute

Appointing an MD to Lead GCC Expansion & Strengthen Operations at Jubaili Bros (Dubai, UAE)

Appointing a Director of Commercial Finance to Strengthen Strategic Performance Across Starbucks EMEA

Strengthening Dryrobe’s Board to Support International Growth with an NED Appointment

Appointing an Interim COO to Stabilise and Scale a High-Growth Software Business

Strengthening a Biotech Business for IPO Through Interim CFO Leadership

Appointing an Interim MD to Stabilise and Restructure an Engineering & Manufacturing Business

Stabilising Operations at a Critical Moment: Interim Leadership for a Major International Airport

Identifying a Managing Director to Lead Strategic Growth for a Market-Leader in the PropTech Sector

Appointing a Chief Financial Officer to Support Global Growth in a Leading Architectural Practice

Strengthening Digital Leadership at Gatwick Airport with a Director of IT Appointment

Strategic Succession: Managing Director Hired to Drive Akela Construction Forward

Gentex Corporation Appoints Human Resources Director to Lead European People Strategy

Executive Search Success: Technical Innovation and Commercial Lead Placements for tesa SE

Securing Strategic Leadership: Director of the Executive Office Hired for World Sailing

Appointing Leadership for Impact: Uniting Operational Excellence Across Two Businesses

Hiring an Operations Director to Power Addo Play Global Growth

Novo at-a-glance

Novo Executive Search is a UK based executive search and headhunting firm supporting mid market, private equity backed, and high growth organisations to hire senior leaders who make a difference.

We specialise in C suite, board, and senior leadership appointments across sectors including manufacturing, life sciences, energy, technology, and financial services.

Our team delivers confidential, research led executive search, identifying and securing high impact talent across the UK and international markets.

Explore Leadership Roles

Assignment Search:

Chief Executive Officers Recruitment

Chief Financial Officers Recruitment

Chief Information Officers Recruitment

Chief Marketing Officers (CMO) Recruitment

Compliance & Risk Directors Recruitment

Head of Digital Directors Recruitment

Head of HR / HR Director & CHRO Recruitment

Interim Management Recruitment

Legal Executive Directors Recruitment

Manufacturing Directors Recruitment

NEDs (Non-Executive Directors) Recruitment

Operation Directors Recruitment

Procurement Directors Recruitment

Sales Directors Recruitment

Sustainability Directors Recruitment

Technology/Engineering Directors Recruitment

Chief Executive Officers Recruitment

Chief Financial Officers Recruitment

Chief Information Officers Recruitment

Chief Marketing Officers (CMO) Recruitment

Compliance & Risk Directors Recruitment

Head of Digital Directors Recruitment

Head of HR / HR Director & CHRO Recruitment

Interim Management Recruitment

Legal Executive Directors Recruitment

Manufacturing Directors Recruitment

NEDs (Non-Executive Directors) Recruitment

Operation Directors Recruitment

Procurement Directors Recruitment

Sales Directors Recruitment

Sustainability Directors Recruitment

Technology/Engineering Directors Recruitment

Trusted by

9,000+

CEOs and Managing Directors

16+
YEARS

On average each director or consultant has 16 years’ executive search experience

Leaders in Executive Search

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75%

Of assignments come from long-term client partnerships

Discover how we can help you appoint exceptional leadership talent for your business

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Leadership Team

George Woodward

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Jonathan Shepherd

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Jon Hollier

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Matthew Searle

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Ryan Mills

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Dale Perrett

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Susannah Mallaghan

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Jo Watkins

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Latest News

Novo Executive Search supports Smiths News with Managing Director appointment to scale £10m Recycling division

Linking Learning and Development to Measurable Business Goals

The Forces Shaping Staffing Decisions in 2026

Why Startups Are Hiring from the UK

Leadership Behaviours That Matter Most in 2026

Starbucks Director of Commercial Finance EMEA Leadership Appointment

Wellbeing Is Overtaking Pay in the Minds of UK Employees

Importance of Coaching For a Successful Business

Executive Search Trends in 2026: What UK Businesses Need to Know

Reimagining Leadership Development in the AI Age

Can Organisational Thinking Keep Pace with the Future?

Rethinking Executive Appointments: Why Boards Must Adapt Their Approach

How International Executive Hiring Unlocks Business Growth in 2026

The Traits That Set High-Performing Leadership Teams Apart

Novo Executive Search unveils new website celebrating its third decade of Board-Level Appointments

Why Exceptional Interim Executives Are so Hard to Secure, and Why They Are Worth Every Moment Spent Finding Them

Every Organisation Can Benefit From an Interim Executive Leader to Steer the Organisation and Provide Stability

When the Pressure Peaks, Interim Executive Leaders Keep the Business Moving

What Distinguishes a Good Interim Executive From a Great One?

How AI Is Transforming the Future of Recruitment

The Reasons Female Executives Get Ahead Quickly but Leave Sooner

Will Workplace Leaders Still Exist in 2030?

Culture Isn’t Soft: Why Boards Must Lead with Cultural Intelligence

The Growing Influence of CHROs

Why Culture Shapes Digital Change

Novo Executive Search supports Smiths News with Managing Director appointment to scale £10m Recycling division

Linking Learning and Development to Measurable Business Goals

The Forces Shaping Staffing Decisions in 2026

Why Startups Are Hiring from the UK

Leadership Behaviours That Matter Most in 2026

Starbucks Director of Commercial Finance EMEA Leadership Appointment

Wellbeing Is Overtaking Pay in the Minds of UK Employees

Importance of Coaching For a Successful Business

Executive Search Trends in 2026: What UK Businesses Need to Know

Reimagining Leadership Development in the AI Age

Can Organisational Thinking Keep Pace with the Future?

Rethinking Executive Appointments: Why Boards Must Adapt Their Approach

How International Executive Hiring Unlocks Business Growth in 2026

The Traits That Set High-Performing Leadership Teams Apart

Novo Executive Search unveils new website celebrating its third decade of Board-Level Appointments

Why Exceptional Interim Executives Are so Hard to Secure, and Why They Are Worth Every Moment Spent Finding Them

Every Organisation Can Benefit From an Interim Executive Leader to Steer the Organisation and Provide Stability

When the Pressure Peaks, Interim Executive Leaders Keep the Business Moving

What Distinguishes a Good Interim Executive From a Great One?

How AI Is Transforming the Future of Recruitment

The Reasons Female Executives Get Ahead Quickly but Leave Sooner

Will Workplace Leaders Still Exist in 2030?

Culture Isn’t Soft: Why Boards Must Lead with Cultural Intelligence

The Growing Influence of CHROs

Why Culture Shapes Digital Change

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Innovate News: C-Level Insights
Innovate News Delivers trends and strategies to strengthen boards and empower C-level leaders to drive success

Executive Search FAQs

How long does an executive search typically take?

Novo’s typical timeline:

Most searches move quickly, but never at the expense of quality.

Novo’s typical timelines:

Shortlist development within 3 to 4 weeks
Offer stage often reached within 6 to 8 weeks
Full completion typically within 8 to 12 weeks

What influences timing:

Seniority and complexity of the role
Availability of candidates and stakeholders
Market conditions in that sector

We balance pace with rigour. The aim is not just to hire quickly, but to hire well.

What types of organisations does Novo Executive Search work with?

Novo Executive Search supports organisations at different stages of growth and complexity.

Private sector:

High growth and venture backed businesses
Established SMEs building leadership capability
Listed and multinational organisations managing succession

Public sector:

Government bodies and agencies
Healthcare organisations including the NHS
Universities and education providers

Not for profit:

Charities and foundations
Social enterprises
Third sector organisations

Client partnerships:

A large proportion of our work comes from repeat clients. Relationships are built over time, often across multiple leadership hires.

Which sectors and roles does Novo specialise in?

We operate across a broad range of sectors, with particular depth in:

Life Sciences and Healthcare
Technology and Digital
Manufacturing and Industrial
Construction and Property
Financial Services
Energy and Renewables

Executive Roles we typically deliver:

Board Directors and Non-Executive Directors
Chief Executive Officers
Chief Financial Officers
Chief Operating Officers
Managing Directors
Wider C-suite roles such as CTO, CMO, and CHRO

Our focus is always the same. Find leaders who can deliver impact and fit the direction of the business.

Why work with an independent executive search firm like Novo?

Being independent shapes how we work and the outcomes Novo delivers.

What this means for clients:

Flexibility

We adapt our approach to each assignment, without being tied to rigid global processes.

Senior attention

You work directly with experienced consultants who stay close to the detail.

Market insight

We bring a clear view of the UK talent landscape, built through long-standing relationships.

Objectivity

We search the whole market without restriction, always acting in your best interests.

In practice, it means a more responsive, more focused, and more accountable service.

What is Novo’s success rate for executive placements?

Novo’s track record reflects a consistent focus on quality over volume.

Typical outcomes:

The vast majority of retained searches result in successful appointments over 95%
Assignments progress to offer stage within a structured timeframe
Leaders we place tend to stay and deliver long-term impact

Why this happens:

Careful definition of the role at the outset
Deep research into the talent market
Thorough assessment of capability and fit
Close management of the process from start to finish

Success is not just making a hire. It is making the right hire.

How does Novo Executive Search handle confidential searches?

Confidentiality is often central to senior hiring. We treat it with care from day one.

Typical scenarios:

Leadership succession
Replacing an existing executive
Strategic change or transformation
Sensitive market positioning

How we manage it:

Discreet engagement

Initial conversations are handled carefully, without revealing client identity too early.

Controlled information flow

Access to sensitive detail is limited and managed throughout the process.

Experienced handling

Senior consultants manage communication, ensuring consistency and discretion.

Client control

You decide when information is shared and how the story is told.

The process is designed to protect both your organisation and the individuals involved.

What does Novo Executive do?

Where does Novo Executive operate, and are you a UK firm or global headhunter?

What seniority levels does Novo Executive recruit for?

What services does Novo Executive provide?

Does Novo Executive work with private equity-backed companies?

How does Novo Executive run an executive search?

Executive Search & Headhunting Services

Executive Search Specialists

Strategic Impact

Sector Experience

Client Feedback

Confidential Executive Search

Diversity

Insights

Executive Search in the Logistics, Supply Chain, and Distribution Sector

Expert Witness Services in Executive Disputes

Executive Search in Defence and National Security: Leadership for a Sector Expanding Under Pressure

Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Rebounding Strongly in 2026

Transformational Executive Leadership Across Life Sciences, Healthcare and Wellness

Leadership Demand in the Green Economy and Sustainability Sector

The UK Tech Sector in 2026: What Executives in the Technology Sector Want Now

From Expectations to Essentials: What 2026 Executive Candidates Will Prioritise

Executive Hiring Trends for 2026: What’s Next?

The Shifting Leadership Landscape: What 2026 Will Demand from Boards

The New Rules of Executive Hiring, What 2025 Taught Every Board

The Reasons Female Executives Get Ahead Quickly but Leave Sooner

The Quiet Power of Interim Executive Leaders in Uncertain Markets

Will Workplace Leaders Still Exist in 2030?

Interim Executive Management: From Gap-Filler to Strategic Stabiliser

How to Tell if Your Leadership Team is Holding Back Growth

The Quiet Power of Continuity: Executive Board Changes Across UK Companies in 2025

Culture Isn’t Soft: Why Boards Must Lead with Cultural Intelligence

Why Culture Shapes Digital Change

How Leadership Breaks Down and What Resilient Organisations Do Differently

The Modern CHRO: From Policy Guardian to Boardroom Powerhouse

Leadership Agility: The New Competitive Advantage

Why Hiring Strategy Starts with Culture

Rethinking Support for an Ageing Workforce

The Rise of Job Hugging in the UK

Executive Search in the Logistics, Supply Chain, and Distribution Sector

Expert Witness Services in Executive Disputes

Executive Search in Defence and National Security: Leadership for a Sector Expanding Under Pressure

Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Rebounding Strongly in 2026

Transformational Executive Leadership Across Life Sciences, Healthcare and Wellness

Leadership Demand in the Green Economy and Sustainability Sector

The UK Tech Sector in 2026: What Executives in the Technology Sector Want Now

From Expectations to Essentials: What 2026 Executive Candidates Will Prioritise

Executive Hiring Trends for 2026: What’s Next?

The Shifting Leadership Landscape: What 2026 Will Demand from Boards

The New Rules of Executive Hiring, What 2025 Taught Every Board

The Reasons Female Executives Get Ahead Quickly but Leave Sooner

The Quiet Power of Interim Executive Leaders in Uncertain Markets

Will Workplace Leaders Still Exist in 2030?

Interim Executive Management: From Gap-Filler to Strategic Stabiliser

How to Tell if Your Leadership Team is Holding Back Growth

The Quiet Power of Continuity: Executive Board Changes Across UK Companies in 2025

Culture Isn’t Soft: Why Boards Must Lead with Cultural Intelligence

Why Culture Shapes Digital Change

How Leadership Breaks Down and What Resilient Organisations Do Differently

The Modern CHRO: From Policy Guardian to Boardroom Powerhouse

Leadership Agility: The New Competitive Advantage

Why Hiring Strategy Starts with Culture

Rethinking Support for an Ageing Workforce

The Rise of Job Hugging in the UK

How we help:

How we help:

Global Presence

Case Studies

Scaling a £10m Recycling Division at Smiths News Through Strategic MD Appointment

Technology Post-Acquisition Non-Payment Dispute, Appointed by Top 50 Law Firm

Appointed by Top 20 UK Law Firm in Infrastructure Workplace Accident Compensation Case

Appointed by Top 10 UK Law Firm in Manufacturing Wrongful Dismissal Case

Appointed by Top 10 Global Law Firm in Financial Services Misconduct Dispute

Appointing an MD to Lead GCC Expansion & Strengthen Operations at Jubaili Bros (Dubai, UAE)

Appointing a Director of Commercial Finance to Strengthen Strategic Performance Across Starbucks EMEA

Strengthening Dryrobe’s Board to Support International Growth with an NED Appointment

Appointing an Interim COO to Stabilise and Scale a High-Growth Software Business

Strengthening a Biotech Business for IPO Through Interim CFO Leadership

Appointing an Interim MD to Stabilise and Restructure an Engineering & Manufacturing Business

Stabilising Operations at a Critical Moment: Interim Leadership for a Major International Airport

Identifying a Managing Director to Lead Strategic Growth for a Market-Leader in the PropTech Sector

Appointing a Chief Financial Officer to Support Global Growth in a Leading Architectural Practice

Strengthening Digital Leadership at Gatwick Airport with a Director of IT Appointment

Strategic Succession: Managing Director Hired to Drive Akela Construction Forward

Gentex Corporation Appoints Human Resources Director to Lead European People Strategy

Executive Search Success: Technical Innovation and Commercial Lead Placements for tesa SE

Executive Search &
Headhunting Services

How
we help:

16+
YEARS