Case Study Series: How Two Strategic Hires Proved Why Pact & Partners Ranks Among the Top

There’s rising global demand for high-impact executive talent in the U.S.—and not just for CVs/resumes, but for smart, strategic leadership.

When a global life sciences company needed to fill two critical leadership roles in the U.S., they didn’t just need help—they needed precision, speed, and market intelligence.

That’s when they turned to Pact & Partners, my boutique executive search firm trusted by international companies expanding in the U.S. These weren’t entry-level jobs. They were C-suite and senior executive roles that required the expertise of an executive recruiter to identify and secure the right leadership talent.

This case study shows how we delivered both placements—fast, accurately, and with strategic alignment—demonstrating the value of placing top executives and why Pact & Partners continues to rank among the best executive recruiters in the US. Read on to see how our executive searches made a difference.

Understanding Executive Search: What Sets the Best Apart?

Let’s be clear: executive search is not the same as traditional recruitment. Let’s first discuss the key differences between executive search and traditional recruitment, highlighting what sets executive search apart.

Where recruitment agencies often focus on mid-level roles and job-board traffic, executive search firms go deeper. They hunt passive talent—the people who aren’t actively applying, but who are quietly building the future of your industry somewhere else. Evaluating candidates’ leadership skills is crucial at this stage, as these skills determine whether a candidate can truly drive your organization forward.

The best executive recruiters in the US do three things differently:

• They know their industry inside-out.
• They build custom strategies based on your company’s culture and vision.
• And they deliver candidates who not only qualify on paper—but elevate your business by taking on critical leadership responsibilities.

At this level, it’s about transformation, not transactions. True executive search is about placing leaders who shift markets, lead change, and strengthen culture. If you’re hiring a CEO, CMO, or Senior VP, this is the approach you need.

The Challenge: Two Critical Hires, One Seamless Strategy

Our client—a fast-scaling global life sciences group—needed to hire two leaders for its U.S. expansion. In the life sciences sector, choosing an executive search firm with deep expertise in specific industries is crucial, as industry specialization ensures better candidate matches and recruitment outcomes:

• A Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing, responsible for driving North American commercial strategy, vendor relationships, and team design.
• A Senior National Sales Director, focused on execution, managing field teams, and pushing performance on the ground—highlighting the critical role directors play in organizational leadership.

The twist? Some candidates could qualify for both roles, depending on their ambition and experience. We needed to map the market carefully, evaluate leadership chemistry, and help the client make two moves that would work—individually and together.

This wasn’t about two hires. It was about building a leadership ecosystem that could scale with the business.

The Solution: Agile Executive Search with a Boutique Mindset

At Pact & Partners, we don’t throw CVs at you. We partner with you to shape your strategy. Our range of advisory services ensures you have comprehensive support tailored to your leadership and executive search needs.

We advised the client to sequence the hires: first, secure the right SVP—then bring them into the decision-making process for the Sales Director. This gave us flexibility, alignment, and clarity across both roles.

Here’s how it unfolded:

We move fast, stay close, and don’t miss value. Throughout the executive search process, we serve our clients by providing ongoing support and guidance to ensure the best outcomes.

🎯 Targeted Talent Mapping

We launched a North America–wide search to identify leaders who had both scientific fluency and proven sales leadership in the life sciences space, as well as related sectors such as healthcare.

We also have the ability to place candidates directly at client sites, supporting on-site recruitment needs.

⏱ Shortlist in Five Weeks

In just 35 days, we presented three top-tier SVP candidates, each with a strong commercial record and cultural fit.

🔁 Creative Double Placement

One SVP finalist who didn’t take the top spot was a perfect match for the Sales Director role. Working with the client and the new SVP, we pivoted the candidate into the second position—delivering two high-impact hires with full strategic continuity.

This is exactly what boutique firms do best: we move fast, stay close, and don’t miss value when it’s sitting right in front of us.

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C-Suite Recruitment: Navigating the Highest Stakes

When it comes to C-suite recruitment, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Filling leadership roles like Chief Executive Officer or other top executive positions isn’t just about finding someone with the right resume—it’s about identifying the next great leader who can transform your organization’s future.

Executive search firms specialize in recruiting highly qualified candidates for these pivotal positions. Their expertise goes far beyond traditional recruitment, offering executive search services that include in-depth assessments, succession planning, and leadership development. The process starts with a deep dive into your company’s culture, values, and strategic goals, ensuring that every candidate is not only a top-tier talent but also the best fit for your unique environment.

With access to a global network of diverse candidates, executive recruiters can tap into pools of executive talent that most companies simply can’t reach on their own. They bring valuable insights into the leadership needs of your organization, helping you define what success looks like in your next C-suite hire. From mapping the market to evaluating leadership chemistry, search firms provide the expertise and resources needed to recruit the right leaders for your business.

Ultimately, a great leader at the top can drive innovation, inspire teams, and set the stage for long-term success. By partnering with an executive search firm, companies can ensure they’re not just filling a position—they’re investing in the future of their organization.

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The Benefits of Working with an Executive Search Firm In The USA

Partnering with an executive search firm opens doors to a world of highly qualified candidates and leadership expertise that can transform your organization. These firms bring a wealth of resources and a proven process to every search, ensuring you have access to the best leaders in the market.

One of the key benefits is efficiency—executive search firms streamline the hiring process, saving your team valuable time while improving the quality of candidates presented. Their deep industry knowledge and global networks mean they can identify and recruit top-tier talent that aligns with your company’s vision and culture.

Beyond just filling roles, executive search firms offer guidance on leadership development, succession planning, and culture advisory services. They help organizations build strong, cohesive leadership teams and provide ongoing support throughout the hiring journey, from initial consultation to onboarding and beyond.

With their expertise, executive search firms deliver valuable insights into your organization’s leadership needs, helping you develop strategies for long-term growth and success. By leveraging their process, support, and access to top talent, companies can confidently hire the right leaders to drive their business forward.

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Proven Partnerships: Why Past Clients Keep Coming Back

In executive search, trust isn’t built on ads. It’s built on results.

Our strongest partnerships come from clients who’ve worked with us before. They know our process, they’ve seen the outcome, and they return when the stakes are high.

We don’t just place people. We help companies grow by placing the right people. That’s why our case studies—from biotech to AI to medtech—aren’t just wins. They’re long-term relationships built on trust, transparency, and delivery.

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The Outcome: Two High-Impact Leaders, Still Winning Today

What happened?

• The SVP of Sales & Marketing is now leading growth strategy across the U.S. and generating measurable wins.
• The Sales Director has re-energized the field force and delivered a fast uplift in sales metrics.
• Together, they’ve built a leadership team that’s driving transformation—not just hitting KPIs.

And yes—both are still in place, delivering value well beyond the 90-day mark.

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Measuring Success: Beyond the Placement

We don’t call it a success until it’s real.

Here’s what we track:

• Time-to-fill
• Retention rates at 12, 24, and 36 months
• Team integration
• Post-hire business impact

Great executive recruiters don’t just celebrate contracts. They stick around to see the leaders thrive—and help you build the system around them.

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How to Choose the Right Search Firm

Selecting the right executive search firm is a decision that can shape the future of your organization. The best search firms combine a proven track record of success with a deep understanding of your industry and leadership needs.

Look for a search firm with a global network of diverse candidates and a comprehensive approach to executive search. Their expertise should extend beyond recruitment to include leadership development, succession planning, and culture advisory services—ensuring they can provide valuable insights tailored to your organization.

A strong search firm will demonstrate a commitment to inclusion and diversity, delivering high-quality candidates who bring fresh perspectives and drive innovation. Evaluate their reputation, client testimonials, and case studies to ensure they consistently deliver results.

By thoroughly researching your options and assessing each firm’s expertise, process, and values, you can find a partner who will help you identify and attract the right leaders for your company’s success.

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The Future of Executive Search

The executive search landscape is evolving rapidly, shaped by technological innovation and a shifting global business environment. Executive search firms are embracing new technologies—like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics—to enhance their ability to identify and recruit top executive talent.

As companies face increasing demand for executive search services, search firms must remain agile and responsive, developing innovative strategies to meet complex leadership challenges. Prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion is no longer optional; it’s essential for building positive, high-performing teams and fostering a culture of innovation.

Looking ahead, executive search firms will play a critical role in helping organizations navigate change, drive business success, and build leadership teams equipped for the future. By leveraging technology, championing inclusion, and providing forward-thinking insights, executive search firms will continue to be indispensable partners in the quest for top-tier leadership talent.

Why Pact & Partners Ranks Among the Best Executive Recruiters in the US

Big firms might have more people—but that doesn’t mean better results.

What sets us apart?

• Senior consultants manage every search, from first call to final negotiation.
• We advise on search structure, leadership fit, and future planning—not just candidate lists.
• We find value others miss: like turning an SVP runner-up into a Director-level win, and successfully placing CEOs and board members.

We’re not built to handle thousands of clients. We’re built to go deep with the right ones—and help them win in the U.S.

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Let’s Build Your Leadership Team

At Pact & Partners, we help international companies build winning U.S. teams—one strategic hire at a time.

Whether you’re looking for a Chief Executive Officer in Boston, a VP Sales in Austin, or a GM to lead your American launch, we’ve got the playbook, the reach, and the senior attention you need.

No handoffs. No delays. Just results.

If you’re a business entering or scaling up in the United States, you need the most hands-on partner who gets your world and delivers real results. That’s what we do at Pact & Partners.

Let’s talk!

“Keep growing, keep dreaming, and let’s win big together.”

Olivier I. Safir
CEO of Pact & Partners, LLC
*Not a bot. Real CEO & Team. Awesome Clients. Real results.

For other articles in our Best Executive Recruiters in US “REAL CASE STUDY Series” click here.