Press Release: ON Partners Recognized on Forbes’ List of America’s Best Executive Recruiting Firms

Jun 4, 2024

ON Partners Earns Spot on 2024 Forbes Recruiting List for Sixth Consecutive Year

Recognized for Consistent Excellence in Executive Talent Acquisition


(CLEVELAND, OH.: June 4, 2024) (Global Newswire) – ON Partners, a premier retained executive search firm specializing in C-suite and board leadership, has once again earned national recognition on the prestigious Forbes Recruiting list of America’s Best Executive Recruiting Firms. This marks the sixth year in a row that ON Partners has appeared on the list, which is based on survey responses from over 9,300 recruiters, HR managers, and hiring decision-makers.

This consistent recognition by Forbes Recruiting confirms ON Partners’ commitment to delivering exceptional service and outcomes for organizations across industries.

Why ON Partners Stands Out in the Forbes Recruiting Landscape

ON Partners continues to stand out in the competitive executive search space. They have a client and candidate satisfaction rating of 4.9 out of 5.0. So far in 2024, the firm has successfully placed senior leadership for organizations such as Amer Sports, CKE Restaurants, Diebold Nixdorf, Lenovo, Net Health, Nvidia, Onto Innovation, Postman, Q2, and SoCi.

The firm’s consistent placement on the Forbes Recruiting list highlights a proven track record of excellence. Unlike firms that rely heavily on volume, ON Partners takes a consultative, partner-led approach that ensures each search is tailored to the client’s business needs and culture.

Growth in Executive Search Assignments Signals Rising Demand

In the past six months, ON Partners has reported a 22% increase in overall executive search assignments. Additionally, there has been an 18% jump specifically in C-level placements. This growth reflects increasing demand among private equity and growth-backed companies seeking transformational leadership.

“Nearly two-thirds of our current assignments are for growth-stage companies, typically backed by private equity sponsors,” said Jake Espenlaub, Partner at ON Partners. “This is in line with industry shifts toward operational efficiency and accelerated profitability. Effective executive leadership is more important than ever.”

ON’s 2023 Variance Report supported this outlook. It shows notable hiring growth in sectors such as cleantech, energy, SaaS, and semiconductors. These are industries seeking leaders who can scale quickly and lead through complexity.

Investing in Predictive Analytics and AI-Driven Executive Search

ON Partners continues to innovate beyond traditional search models. The firm integrates real-time analytics and proprietary data tools to give clients actionable insights throughout the hiring process.

“Data transparency and AI tools play a central role in how we help clients navigate the leadership search process,” said Bryan Buck, Partner at ON Partners. “We’re developing AI-enabled predictive analytics to help forecast long-term talent success, reduce bias, and streamline candidate assessments.”

These investments reflect ON’s goal to create a more predictive and inclusive hiring experience. The focus isn’t just on speed. It’s on empowering clients with the data they need to make high-impact decisions with confidence.

Supporting Leadership Diversity Through Research and Insight

Beyond direct placement, ON Partners contributes to the broader executive search ecosystem by publishing timely research and thought leadership. The firm’s 2024 Women’s Report and Talent Intelligence Report offer valuable insights into leadership diversity, hiring trends, and emerging executive competencies.

These tools have become go-to resources for boards, private equity sponsors, and executive teams who value fact-based decision-making. By supporting transparent and inclusive hiring practices, ON continues to lead the way among Forbes Recruiting firms.

The ON Partners Difference

With an exclusive retained model and a reputation built on trust, ON Partners brings a boutique experience backed by world-class capabilities. Clients value the firm’s combination of speed, precision, and strategic partnership.

If you’re seeking a leadership search partner recognized by Forbes Recruiting and trusted by high-growth companies, ON Partners delivers unmatched results—and has the numbers to prove it:

  • 85% of clients return for a second search

  • 95% of new business comes from referrals

  • 97% of placed executives remain in their roles two years later

To learn more about the ON Partners approach, visit https://onpartners1.wpenginepowered.com/contact-executive-recruitment-agency/.

About ON Partners

In a high-tech world, our difference is human. ON Partners is a pure-play retained executive search firm building C-level and board leadership teams for high-growth private and public companies, private equity, and venture capital.

With a partner-led, high-touch model, clients gain direct access to seasoned partners who lead every search from day one to day done. Our boutique structure enables speed, agility, and precision. This hands-on approach fosters a deep understanding of client needs, delivers elite talent quickly, and ensures unmatched responsiveness.

ON Partners is the most referred executive search firm in the industry. And the numbers back it up— 85% of our clients return, 95% of new business comes from referrals, and clients and candidates rate their experience with us 4.9 out of 5.

Consistently ranked among the top 20 retained executive search firms in the U.S., ON Partners has been recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Executive Recruiting Firms and has appeared on the Inc. 500/5000 List nine times.

Our Approach Works.

Press Release: ON Partners Recognized on Forbes’ List of America’s Best Executive Recruiting Firms
Press Release: ON Partners Recognized on Forbes’ List of America’s Best Executive Recruiting Firms
Press Release: ON Partners Recognized on Forbes’ List of America’s Best Executive Recruiting Firms
Press Release: ON Partners Recognized on Forbes’ List of America’s Best Executive Recruiting Firms
Press Release: ON Partners Recognized on Forbes’ List of America’s Best Executive Recruiting Firms
Press Release: ON Partners Recognized on Forbes’ List of America’s Best Executive Recruiting Firms
Press Release: ON Partners Recognized on Forbes’ List of America’s Best Executive Recruiting Firms
Press Release: ON Partners Recognized on Forbes’ List of America’s Best Executive Recruiting Firms