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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 Atlanta, Georgia Est. 1987

Executive Search Atlanta

Pact & Partners is a global boutique executive search firm helping international companies build their leadership teams in Atlanta. 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 search.”

Reach Olivier

Why Atlanta: the market in numbers

108.1MATL airport passengers, 2024
#1World's busiest airport
~70%US card transactions processed
16Fortune 500 HQs in metro

Sources: Hartsfield-Jackson / FOX 5 Atlanta, Tech North Atlanta, Metro Atlanta Chamber (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

Why an Atlanta executive search firm is built for cross-border entrants

Atlanta-area companies process roughly 70 percent of U.S. payment card transactions, and metro Atlanta hosts sixteen Fortune 500 headquarters built around the world's busiest airport, a deep bench of payments, logistics and corporate talent. That density 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

We are a retained executive search firm, not a staffing agency. Each assignment is exclusive, led by a senior partner and built on direct outreach to leaders who are already performing at the level you need: the people who never answer a job ad. See exactly how we work and our transparent fee model.

Built for foreign companies entering the U.S.

Since 2020 we focus exclusively on helping international companies hire executives in America. No hand-offs to junior associates; you work directly with the senior partners who run the search. It is the firm we built on purpose.

Ready to discuss your first U.S. hire in Atlanta? 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 Atlanta market can offer you.

Book a confidential callSee our fees

IIWhy us

The Headhunters Global Companies Trust in Atlanta

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

From the runway to the payments rail

Atlanta's economy concentrates in aviation and logistics around Hartsfield-Jackson, fintech and payments, film and media production, and large-scale supply-chain operations. We place the cross-border executive who can run a U.S. operation across them, from general manager to country head.

E-commerce & logisticsFinance & fintechDigital 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

A national reach, run by a Pact & Partners Senior Consultant based in the USA

We don't keep an Atlanta office and we won't pretend otherwise: our partners run Southeast 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 →

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

âś•

Big firms

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

âś•

Contingency firms

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

Recommendedâś“

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 Atlanta market can offer you.

VIAnswers

Executive Recruiters Atlanta: FAQ

Atlanta’s business ecosystem is a rare blend of logistics dominance, aviation leadership, and advanced manufacturing strength, backed by a growing base of investment, especially from German and Korean companies. Serving this market effectively requires deep connections within the Southeast’s industrial and logistics corridors, plus the global reach to identify leaders who can navigate complex, multinational operations. We combine on-the-ground relationships with international search capabilities, giving companies access to executives who can align European or Asian corporate cultures with U.S. market speed. Whether your headquarters is in Munich, Seoul, or Toronto, we ensure cultural, operational, and strategic alignment from day one.

The most successful executive hires start with a tightly defined leadership profile, one that accounts for technical expertise, cultural adaptability, and sector-specific know-how. For example, a CFO joining a European automotive supplier here must understand both U.S. GAAP and global reporting standards, while navigating state-level tax incentives for manufacturing. A COO in aviation must integrate international operational procedures with FAA compliance and the high-volume environment of the world’s busiest airport. We manage the entire process, covering market mapping, discreet outreach, candidate vetting and offer negotiation, to ensure you secure leaders who can excel in Atlanta’s competitive, high-performance market.

Three main challenges shape the hiring landscape: 1. Intense regional and national competition: Top executives in logistics, aviation, and manufacturing are heavily courted by companies from Houston, Charlotte, and global headquarters abroad. 2. Cross-cultural integration: Many companies underestimate the need for leaders who can bridge European or Asian corporate governance styles with the faster, more flexible U.S. approach. 3. Sector-specific scarcity: In specialties like EV manufacturing, MRO operations, or supply chain automation, top executives are often engaged well before they actively seek new opportunities. Our advantage lies in pre-engaging passive candidates and positioning your role as a rare, career-defining opportunity.

A targeted C-suite search in Atlanta typically takes 6 to 9 weeks from search kickoff to signed offer, with our average shortlist landing in about 7 weeks. Timelines vary depending on sector competitiveness, role complexity, and relocation requirements. Aviation and automotive manufacturing roles often take longer due to niche technical and compliance demands, while certain logistics leadership positions can move more quickly. We follow a disciplined search methodology that compresses timelines without sacrificing quality, keeping your market entry or expansion on track.