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Pact & Partners

Executive Search Firm specializing in recruitment for foreign companies expanding into the United States market.

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  • contact@pactandpartners.com
  • United States

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Executive Search New York City Est. 1987

Executive Search New York

Pact & Partners is a global boutique executive search firm helping international companies build their leadership teams in New York. We find and engage the C-suite leaders who build their U.S. business, from CEOs and General Managers to CFOs and VPs.

Book a confidential callSee how we work
Olivier Safir, CEO of Pact & Partners

Olivier Safir

CEO · Based in Miami

“Let’s talk about your New York search.”

Reach Olivier

Why New York: the market in numbers

$2.0T+NYC metro GDP, 2024
50+Fortune 500 headquarters
350,000+Financial services jobs
$29BVenture capital raised, 2024
37%Foreign-born residents

Sources: NYC EDC, BLS, U.S. Census (2024 to 2025)

Testimonials

Trusted by the leaders who hired with us

“
I've known Olivier for 20 years and have worked with him on several occasions, notably on the successful recruitment of Board Members in the US. His network and, above all, his intuitive understanding of how to find candidates of the right level and with the right experience are an undeniable asset. Availability and charisma are also his strengths. His knowledge of at least two continents enables him to target candidates from different cultural backgrounds.
Gilles AvenardCEO GABC
“
Olivier Safir is a very professional executive search partner with unique experience in helping foreign companies hire top executives in the United States. His company, Pact&Partners International, is a boutique search company with true understanding of client needs, coming from more than 15 years of recruitment experience combined with deep knowledge of the US market and the potential pitfalls encountered by foreign companies recruiting top executives there. I have recently seen how Olivier supported the successful recruitment of US leadership for a mid-size European pharma company in record time and with great candidates.
Pascal TouchonOperating Partner, Chair & Member of Board of Directors, Advisor
“
I had the pleasure of working with Olivier and his team at Pact & Partners during a critical phase of our U.S. expansion, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. As a CEO of Treefrog, a European-based biotech company, building a high-performing team across the Atlantic was both a strategic priority and a complex challenge. What truly set Pact apart was their rigorous and thoughtful methodology. From the initial briefing to final placement, their process was structured, transparent, and deeply aligned with our company's values and scientific mission. The quality of the candidates presented was exceptional—each one carefully vetted, well-prepared, and a strong match both technically and culturally.
Frédéric DesdouitsCEO · Treefrog
“
Working with Olivier and his boutique recruitment firm was a game-changer for Voluntis as we expanded our European-founded company into the U.S. market. Beyond sourcing top talent, Olivier acted as a trusted advisor—helping us shape our hiring strategy, navigate cultural nuances, and build a team aligned with our values. His hands-on, thoughtful approach made all the difference. And on top of it all, he's a genuinely nice person — a pleasure to work with.
Romain MarmotPresident, Digital Health @ Aptar Pharma · Voluntis
“
It was invaluable to have Olivier Safir's and Pact Partner's advice and wisdom as PDS, our microscopy analytical company for biotherapeutics, grew and entered the global client and venture market out of the Boston life sciences super-hub. Given their strong scientific capabilities, they supported our strategic process by going into great detail on the required skill set and experience level for our team's growth and recruitment process. Their agility, confidentiality, depth and global span made for a superbly productive client experience for us as we learned from the great executives they carefully sourced for us as candidates.
William Lockwood BenetInfrastructure Investment Banker, Development Economist, Co-Founder Life Sciences Tools company. Former President, EVP, VP, Government Development Bank PR, New York & San Juan. Co-Founder PE & Tech institutions. · PDS
“
Olivier and his team were instrumental in helping us build our U.S. leadership team. Coming from France, we had a limited understanding of the U.S. job market and recruitment culture. Pact And Partners helped us avoid the common pitfalls that many European entrepreneurs face. Olivier successfully recruited three key members of our U.S. top management team. He also provided compensation benchmarks and market insights that helped us justify higher HR costs to our French board and investors. White-glove, boutique service at a reasonable price — and great people to work with.
Thomas MarchandEntrepreneur
“
I had the opportunity to work with Olivier S. (Pact & Partners) while I was managing Yposkesi, a CDMO specializing in the production of gene and cell therapy products, on the recruitment of Sales Directors to represent us in the U.S. These were critical hires for us, requiring the recruitment firm to identify outstanding candidates — not only in terms of expertise and commercial track record, but also in their willingness to work for a company based in France. Our collaboration with Olivier S. was excellent. He was highly professional throughout the entire process. He fully understood our needs, thoroughly vetted candidates before presenting them, facilitated feedback exchanges after interviews, supported us in negotiating compensation packages, and followed up on the new hires' progress months after they joined. I can wholeheartedly recommend Pact & Partners as a recruitment firm.
Alain LamproyeChief Executive Officer at Genosafe · Yposkesi
“
Starting with a C-level search for our French company landing in the USA, Olivier has always shown expertise and thoughtfulness in listening to your need, sometimes rephrasing your true need, and tayloring his search to you. So much involved and available it just sounds you're his only client and you have a new partner on your team. Entrepreneur himself, his personal experience and his wide multicultural network are definitely a strength. Beyond everything Olivier is certainly that sort of man you always call back or pay a visit to over the years, knowing the door would be open. And vice versa!
Antoine LeroyFounder & CEO, KOELIS · KOELIS
“
We have worked at repeated occasions with Olivier to fill key corporate and technical positions in our organisation. Olivier has always been able to identify candidates which matched the requirements from the point of view of their competences, but most importantly I was always genuinely impressed by his skill in understanding which candidates would fit best our corporate culture and values and selecting them accordingly. His guidance has always been precious, and even for some of the most difficult assignements he would not give up, be creative and always succeeded in bringing the right candidate.
Frederic RevahCEO Genethon Gene Therapy for Rare Diseases · Genethon
“
I am writing to express my sincere appreciation for the exceptional service provided by Pact & Partner in recruiting a general manager for our company. Your team's dedication and expertise were instrumental in navigating an area that was previously unfamiliar to you. From the initial consultation to the final selection process, Pact & Partner demonstrated a deep understanding of our needs and the specific requirements for the role. The thoroughness and professionalism with which you approached the recruitment process were truly commendable. Your ability to identify and attract top-tier candidates who perfectly aligned with our organizational goals and culture was impressive. Moreover, the support and guidance provided throughout the entire process were invaluable. Your team's responsiveness and willingness to go above and beyond ensured a seamless and successful recruitment experience. The general manager we have hired is already making a significant impact, and we are confident that he will continue to drive our company forward. I would highly recommend Pact & Partner to any organization seeking top-quality recruitment services. Your expertise, commitment, and exceptional service have made a lasting impression on us, and we look forward to working with you again in the future. Thank you once again for your outstanding support.
David MORVANTChief Executive Officer - Modular & Specialty Contracting
“
I've known Olivier for 20 years and have worked with him on several occasions, notably on the successful recruitment of Board Members in the US. His network and, above all, his intuitive understanding of how to find candidates of the right level and with the right experience are an undeniable asset. Availability and charisma are also his strengths. His knowledge of at least two continents enables him to target candidates from different cultural backgrounds.
Gilles AvenardCEO GABC
“
Olivier Safir is a very professional executive search partner with unique experience in helping foreign companies hire top executives in the United States. His company, Pact&Partners International, is a boutique search company with true understanding of client needs, coming from more than 15 years of recruitment experience combined with deep knowledge of the US market and the potential pitfalls encountered by foreign companies recruiting top executives there. I have recently seen how Olivier supported the successful recruitment of US leadership for a mid-size European pharma company in record time and with great candidates.
Pascal TouchonOperating Partner, Chair & Member of Board of Directors, Advisor
“
I had the pleasure of working with Olivier and his team at Pact & Partners during a critical phase of our U.S. expansion, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. As a CEO of Treefrog, a European-based biotech company, building a high-performing team across the Atlantic was both a strategic priority and a complex challenge. What truly set Pact apart was their rigorous and thoughtful methodology. From the initial briefing to final placement, their process was structured, transparent, and deeply aligned with our company's values and scientific mission. The quality of the candidates presented was exceptional—each one carefully vetted, well-prepared, and a strong match both technically and culturally.
Frédéric DesdouitsCEO · Treefrog
“
Working with Olivier and his boutique recruitment firm was a game-changer for Voluntis as we expanded our European-founded company into the U.S. market. Beyond sourcing top talent, Olivier acted as a trusted advisor—helping us shape our hiring strategy, navigate cultural nuances, and build a team aligned with our values. His hands-on, thoughtful approach made all the difference. And on top of it all, he's a genuinely nice person — a pleasure to work with.
Romain MarmotPresident, Digital Health @ Aptar Pharma · Voluntis
“
It was invaluable to have Olivier Safir's and Pact Partner's advice and wisdom as PDS, our microscopy analytical company for biotherapeutics, grew and entered the global client and venture market out of the Boston life sciences super-hub. Given their strong scientific capabilities, they supported our strategic process by going into great detail on the required skill set and experience level for our team's growth and recruitment process. Their agility, confidentiality, depth and global span made for a superbly productive client experience for us as we learned from the great executives they carefully sourced for us as candidates.
William Lockwood BenetInfrastructure Investment Banker, Development Economist, Co-Founder Life Sciences Tools company. Former President, EVP, VP, Government Development Bank PR, New York & San Juan. Co-Founder PE & Tech institutions. · PDS
“
Olivier and his team were instrumental in helping us build our U.S. leadership team. Coming from France, we had a limited understanding of the U.S. job market and recruitment culture. Pact And Partners helped us avoid the common pitfalls that many European entrepreneurs face. Olivier successfully recruited three key members of our U.S. top management team. He also provided compensation benchmarks and market insights that helped us justify higher HR costs to our French board and investors. White-glove, boutique service at a reasonable price — and great people to work with.
Thomas MarchandEntrepreneur
“
I had the opportunity to work with Olivier S. (Pact & Partners) while I was managing Yposkesi, a CDMO specializing in the production of gene and cell therapy products, on the recruitment of Sales Directors to represent us in the U.S. These were critical hires for us, requiring the recruitment firm to identify outstanding candidates — not only in terms of expertise and commercial track record, but also in their willingness to work for a company based in France. Our collaboration with Olivier S. was excellent. He was highly professional throughout the entire process. He fully understood our needs, thoroughly vetted candidates before presenting them, facilitated feedback exchanges after interviews, supported us in negotiating compensation packages, and followed up on the new hires' progress months after they joined. I can wholeheartedly recommend Pact & Partners as a recruitment firm.
Alain LamproyeChief Executive Officer at Genosafe · Yposkesi
“
Starting with a C-level search for our French company landing in the USA, Olivier has always shown expertise and thoughtfulness in listening to your need, sometimes rephrasing your true need, and tayloring his search to you. So much involved and available it just sounds you're his only client and you have a new partner on your team. Entrepreneur himself, his personal experience and his wide multicultural network are definitely a strength. Beyond everything Olivier is certainly that sort of man you always call back or pay a visit to over the years, knowing the door would be open. And vice versa!
Antoine LeroyFounder & CEO, KOELIS · KOELIS
“
We have worked at repeated occasions with Olivier to fill key corporate and technical positions in our organisation. Olivier has always been able to identify candidates which matched the requirements from the point of view of their competences, but most importantly I was always genuinely impressed by his skill in understanding which candidates would fit best our corporate culture and values and selecting them accordingly. His guidance has always been precious, and even for some of the most difficult assignements he would not give up, be creative and always succeeded in bringing the right candidate.
Frederic RevahCEO Genethon Gene Therapy for Rare Diseases · Genethon
“
I am writing to express my sincere appreciation for the exceptional service provided by Pact & Partner in recruiting a general manager for our company. Your team's dedication and expertise were instrumental in navigating an area that was previously unfamiliar to you. From the initial consultation to the final selection process, Pact & Partner demonstrated a deep understanding of our needs and the specific requirements for the role. The thoroughness and professionalism with which you approached the recruitment process were truly commendable. Your ability to identify and attract top-tier candidates who perfectly aligned with our organizational goals and culture was impressive. Moreover, the support and guidance provided throughout the entire process were invaluable. Your team's responsiveness and willingness to go above and beyond ensured a seamless and successful recruitment experience. The general manager we have hired is already making a significant impact, and we are confident that he will continue to drive our company forward. I would highly recommend Pact & Partner to any organization seeking top-quality recruitment services. Your expertise, commitment, and exceptional service have made a lasting impression on us, and we look forward to working with you again in the future. Thank you once again for your outstanding support.
David MORVANTChief Executive Officer - Modular & Specialty Contracting

Leaders we have placed talent for

Total
Takeda
AstraZeneca
Novo Nordisk
Merck
Nestlé
Medtronic
Lilly
Abbott
Ipsen
3M
Leo Pharma
Lesaffre
Nuxe
Polyplus

IThe firm

An Executive Search Firm for International Companies in New York

New York is where global ambition meets American scale, a $2 trillion metro economy and the country's leading gateway for international companies entering the U.S. That concentration is exactly why the executive who can run a foreign company's U.S. operation here is rare and rarely looking.

Executive search, not staffing: what the difference means

Hiring a C-suite leader in New York through job boards is how international companies lose a year. We are a retained executive search firm: every assignment is exclusive, led by a senior partner and built on direct outreach to executives already performing at the level you need: the people who never answer an ad. See exactly how we work and our transparent fee model.

Cross-cultural matching for a two-culture job

A leader who excels in Frankfurt, São Paulo or Seoul can still struggle with New York’s direct communication style and relentless pace. Since 2020 we work exclusively with foreign companies hiring executives in the U.S., so every search assesses two dimensions at once: fit with your headquarters culture, and the ability to perform in America’s most competitive market.

Planning your New York hire? Book a confidential call →

Olivier Safir, CEO of Pact & Partners

Let’s talk about your U.S. leadership hire

Book a confidential call with Olivier Safir. No pitch deck, just a direct conversation about your goals, your timeline and the leaders the New York market can offer you.

Book a confidential callSee our fees

IIWhy us

Among the Best Headhunters in New York City

Our reputation was built on complex, high-stakes searches and on a way of working that mid-market international companies rarely get from the big firms.

01

Finance, tech and every sector in between

New York moves fluidly between finance and private equity, technology and AI, and a fast-growing digital health sector, and its executives cross between them with ease. We place the cross-border executive who can run a U.S. operation across them, from general manager to country head.

Finance & private equityAI & cloudDigital healthSee every sector we cover →

02

No off-limits, no conflicts of interest

Large firms are blocked from approaching their own clients, so whole companies become “off-limits.” Because we work only for foreign clients, we have zero off-limits in America. Thus we can run a genuinely thorough search and reach the best leaders in your market.

03

Direct access, from coast to coast

We don't keep a New York office and we won't pretend otherwise: our partners run Northeast searches directly from across the U.S. You always talk to the senior partner who runs your search, on a video call or in person, never an account manager.

Meet the team →Our Boston officeMiami HQ

04

Sector vs. function expertise

Function: we cover 100% of executive roles such as CEO, COO, CFO, CTO, VP Sales, General Counsel and board seats. Sector: deep references where we have operated for years and an honest, fast-learning approach where a market is newer to us.

Executive positions we fill →

Book a confidential call

IIIOur journey

From Paris 1987 to Miami HQ

Established in Paris. Among the first European executive search firms focused on Pharma & Healthcare.

1987
1987

Established in Paris. Among the first European executive search firms focused on Pharma & Healthcare.

2007

Recognized force in France, Belgium and Switzerland. Offices in Paris, Copenhagen and Lausanne.

2007

Recognized force in France, Belgium and Switzerland. Offices in Paris, Copenhagen and Lausanne.

We go transatlantic. U.S. office opens in Boston. Pact becomes a trusted bridge between continents.

2012
2012

We go transatlantic. U.S. office opens in Boston. Pact becomes a trusted bridge between continents.

2013

Headquarters established in Miami, now our global base for international hiring.

2013

Headquarters established in Miami, now our global base for international hiring.

Worldwide reach. Clients served in 30+ countries across Europe, LatAm, Asia and the Middle East.

2019
2019

Worldwide reach. Clients served in 30+ countries across Europe, LatAm, Asia and the Middle East.

2020

Strategic shift: we now focus exclusively on helping foreign companies hire executives in the U.S.

2020

Strategic shift: we now focus exclusively on helping foreign companies hire executives in the U.S.

Our goal: before 2030, become the world's #1 platform for foreign companies hiring leaders in the USA. The bridge to American leadership.

2025–2030
2025–2030

Our goal: before 2030, become the world's #1 platform for foreign companies hiring leaders in the USA. The bridge to American leadership.

IVPricing

Transparent Executive Search Fees

27%flat fee

Our pricing is the most transparent on the market: you know the full cost from day one. No inflated retainers, no surprise extras. Full breakdown on our fees page.

✦

Flat 27% fee

Of first-year gross salary + bonuses. No inflated retainers (ask about Start-up & Non-profit rates).

✦

50 / 50 split

50% upfront as a retainer, 50% only on success. Full commitment, results before the final bill.

✦

90-day guarantee

If your hire leaves or fails within 90 days, we replace them. Period.

✦

No hidden extras

No admin fees, no travel fees, no stock-based add-ons. What you see is what you pay.

How the three search models compare

✕

Big firms

Bills of $200K+ for a candidate that might not even fit. 33 to 38% plus admin, travel and equity extras.

✕

Contingency firms

Cheaper, but misaligned. Fast CVs, shallow vetting. Built for volume, not the C-suite.

Recommended✓

Pact & Partners

Deep retained search, fair flat pricing, senior partners only, tailored for entering the U.S.

Discuss your search

VThe method

How Our Executive Search Process Works

A rigorous seven-phase process refined over decades, including our proprietary benchmarking. Average shortlist in 7 weeks, with a 100% success rate over the last 5 years.

  1. 01

    Challenging

    We pressure-test your job description against data on equivalent searches, salary surveys and target mapping, before a single name is approached.

  2. 02

    Benchmarking

    Within the first weeks you receive real-life CVs of target profiles (not yet candidates), so you can fine-tune the search from day one.

  3. 03

    Targeting

    Identifying the right people is one thing; attracting them is another. We engage the top performers in your sector despite their busy schedules.

  4. 04

    Selecting

    2 to 3 interview rounds with situational, motivational and behavioral assessment of hard skills, soft skills and leadership fit.

  5. 05

    Convincing

    Decades in the field make us expert storytellers and we motivate the best candidate to join while serving both parties’ long-term interests.

  6. 06

    Recruiting

    We intervene on your behalf to finalize the offer, with a back-up strategy maintained until the agreement is signed.

  7. 07

    Performing

    Long after the hire, we stay close to both your firm and the executive to secure integration and long-term success.

Start your executive search

Book a meeting

Talk to Olivier about your U.S. leadership hire

Pick a 30-minute slot. No pitch deck, just a direct conversation about your goals, your timeline and the leaders the New York market can offer you.

VIAnswers

Executive Recruiters New York: FAQ

Start by identifying whether you need a generalist recruiter or a specialist executive search firm. For C-suite and senior leadership roles, especially for international companies entering the U.S. market, a retained search firm with cross-cultural expertise delivers better results than job boards or contingency recruiters. Look for firms with specialized experience in your industry, a client base spanning multiple regions and sectors, and a global reach that enables access to top-tier executive talent worldwide. Ensure the firm has named consultants you can evaluate and a clear search methodology.

C-suite placements in NYC typically take 6 to 9 weeks from search kickoff to accepted offer, with our average shortlist landing in about 7 weeks. Factors that affect timeline include role seniority, industry specialization, compensation complexity, and whether candidates need relocation. Our focused boutique approach and pre-qualified networks allow us to deliver shortlists faster than larger executive recruitment firms.

New York's talent market is defined by extreme competition. With dozens of Fortune 500 headquarters and hundreds of thousands of technology professionals in the metro area, the best candidates receive multiple approaches weekly. Salary alone won't win them. Successful executive recruitment requires a compelling organizational vision, strong cultural alignment, and a recruiter with trusted candidate relationships built over years of executive search experience.

Retained executive search firms typically charge 30 to 35 percent of the placed executive's first-year total compensation. For a C-suite role with a package of $400,000 or more, expect fees in the $120,000 to $140,000 range. This covers dedicated search resources, candidate sourcing, comprehensive vetting, and post-placement support throughout the onboarding period.

Our U.S. headquarters is in Miami and we maintain a second office in Boston; New York is one of our most active search markets. Retained executive search at this level is a national, relationship-driven business: shortlists are built through direct outreach and long-standing networks rather than local job postings.

NYC executive headhunters typically specialize in the industries that dominate the city's economy: financial services, technology, healthcare and life sciences, media and entertainment, real estate, consumer goods, and professional services. At Pact & Partners, our executive recruiters cover all of these sectors with particular expertise in placing leadership for international companies expanding into the U.S. market through New York.

Executive search firms conduct retained searches for senior leadership positions, typically C-suite, VP-level, and board roles. Staffing agencies generally focus on mid-level and temporary positions using database matching. Executive search firms invest significant time in understanding your organization, mapping the competitive talent market, and approaching passive candidates who are not actively seeking new roles. The retained search model ensures dedicated resources and deeper candidate evaluation than contingency recruitment.