60 Years’ Experience
EXECUTIVE SEARCH
STEPHENSON EXECUTIVE SEARCH
is a multi-award winning, family-owned financial
services headhunting & executive search firm
500 Assignments Completed
Bespoke Consultation
What We Do
Stephenson Executive Search partner with clients to ensure we help them fulfil their strategic goals. We are committed to identifying and securing top-tier talent that aligns with our clients’ vision and objectives.
Our comprehensive approach goes beyond just recruitment; we focus on building long-term relationships that contribute to sustainable success. We are also committed to helping professionals navigate and advance their careers, providing personalised guidance and support at every stage.
We pride ourselves on our integrity, expertise, and the positive impact we bring to both organisations and individuals.
Highly Rated Firm
We have over 500 successful assignments and 60 years of experience being executive search consultants. We are your trustworthy partner for effectively selecting talented candidates.
We’ve won the Wealth Briefing European Awards “Best Wealth Management Executive Search Firm” 2024 five years running and it’s a testament to our success. When you partner with us, you partner with the leading financial services headhunter with a personalised approach, vast knowledge, and unmatched results.
Testimonials
''Billy Stephenson is, without any doubt, the best and most knowledgeable headhunter in the Financial Services industry that I have ever met.''
Wealth Manager, LGT
"Efficient, responsive, and seriously switched on"
Stewardship Lead at CCLA
"Extremely well connected"
Investment Manager, Rathbones
"Their technical expertise – particularly in corporate and finance – sets them apart"
Partner, Avonhurst
"Exceptional knowledge of the candidate base across London"
Director, BofA Merrill Lynch
"All it takes is one Head-hunter that lifts your career. I found that in SES"
Director, HSBC
"They stand out from the crowd by working with real integrity and take great care to understand both candidate and firm"
Director MFO
"I simply can’t rate him highly enough - Billy is someone you can put your absolute faith in"
Head of Marketing, Close Brothers
"Takes the time to understand not just the business and the role but, importantly, you as a person"
General Counsel, G.Network
"We used SES when looking for a Chief Financial Officer. They have extensive experience of recruiting senior finance professionals and I would have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone"
COO, Dianomi
''Incredibly helpful, insightful and informative throughout the recruitment process.''
Manager, Julius Baer
"Head and shoulders above the rest"
Investment Manager, Rathbones
''If you want impeccable guidance delivered with honesty and integrity, Billy is the person to go to.''
Wealth Manager, LGT Vestra
''They took time to get to know me and my goals which is extremely refreshing and ensured he found a fantastic role that was perfectly suited to me.''
Business Development Manager, Ruffer
''Fantastic service, thank you!''
Portfolio Manager, London & Capital
''Exceptionally professional, responsive, and insightful—the list of superlatives could go on. I would recommend SES without hesitation and am extremely grateful for their guidance and in-depth industry knowledge.''
Portfolio Manager, LGT Vestra
''Highly proactive, transparent and has a positive drive.''
Head of EAM, LGT, Zurich
Why Choose Us
Our headhunting expertise is proven and trusted and our team has accumulated extensive experience working with global corporations, leading international banks, top performing investment trusts, and best-in-class boutiques. We excel in identifying and securing top-tier talent that aligns perfectly with our clients’ strategic goals. We pride ourselves on our personalised approach, deep industry knowledge, and commitment to delivering exceptional results.
Awards
Global 100 2025 Winner
We are delighted to announce that we have won Best Executive Search Firm 2025 – UK from Global 100 2025
2024 Global Excellence Awards
We are proud to announce we have won Best Executive Search & Headhunting Service 2024 UK from AI 2024 Global Excellence Awards
WealthBriefing European Awards – ” Best Wealth Management Executive Search Firm” 2024
We are thrilled to announce that we have received the award for “Best Wealth Management Executive Search Firm” for the fifth year running at the WealthBriefing European Awards 2024
Financial Times UK Leading Recruiters 2024 Report
Financial Times lists SES in the UK Leading Recruiters 2024 Report
WealthBriefing European Awards – ” Best Wealth Management Executive Search Firm” 2023
We are proud to announce they have once again been awarded the “Best Wealth Management Executive Search Firm” at The Eleventh Annual WealthBriefing European Awards 2023.
Lawyer International – Legal 100 – 2023
Best Executive Search Firm – UK
SES are delighted to have been awarded “Best Executive Search Firm – UK” by Lawyer International.
Global 100 – 2023
SES have won Best Legal & Financial Services Headhunting Firm of the Year – Stephenson Executive Search – UK at the Global 100 – 2023 awards.
M&A Today – Global Awards – 2023
SES are pleased to announce that we have once again won “Best Executive Search Firm 2023 – UK” at the M&A Today – Global Awards – 2023.
Global Excellence Awards 2022
We are proud to have won 2022 Global Excellence Awards – Best Specialist Executive Search Firm 2022 – Legal Services
Spear's 500 2022 Awards
We are delighted to announce that we have once again been featured in SPEARS 500 2022 awards as a top recommended firm.
WealthBriefing European Awards 2022
We are pleased to have been awarded winner of the best “Wealth Management Executive Search Firm (Europe)”
The Lawyer International Award
We are delighted to have been awarded “Best Legal headhunting Firm of the Year – UK 2021” by Lawyer International.
SPEARS 500 2020 Awards
We are pleased to have been featured in SPEARS 500 2020 awarded. We have had the privilege of being featured in SPEARS 500 since 2017.
Wealthbriefing European Awards 2020
We are delighted to have been named Best Wealth Management Executive Search Firm at the WealthBriefing European Awards 2020.
Our Story
Our team has worked with global corporations, leading international banks, top performing investment trusts, and best-in-class boutiques. As headhunters we bring a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the diverse needs and challenges faced by our clients, ensuring we deliver exceptional services and results.
Specialities
Our reputation as a company is not purely transaction-oriented. We believe it is vital to remain at the forefront of what is important to both clients and candidates. We advise both parties accordingly so that both can achieve their aspirations.
This approach ensures we foster meaningful and long-lasting relationships, enabling mutual success and growth.
