Retained Executive Search for Communications Leaders

Specialist Executive Search for Chief Communications Officers, Heads of Communications, and Corporate Affairs Directors

Why Choose a Specialist Communications Search Firm?

Unlike generalist search firms that treat Communications as a secondary function, we treat it as the priority. Our retained model guarantees a partner-led search — not one handed off to junior researchers — ensuring you secure leaders capable of navigating complex reputation and business landscapes. We bring the domain expertise required to distinguish between a functional manager and a strategic C-Suite advisor.

Access "Off-Market" Leaders & Passive Talent
The best Chief Communications Officers and Heads of Communications are rarely actively looking for work. We leverage a deep, trusted network to access passive candidates—leaders who are happy in their roles but will move for the right opportunity. This gives you exclusive access to a 'hidden' talent pool that generalist firms and public job boards simply cannot reach.
Vetting for Gravitas, Not Just Keywords
We don’t just match CVs to job descriptions. We assess for stakeholder influence, crisis resilience, and board-level presence. We take the time to deeply understand your culture to ensure candidates have the specific 'gravitas' required to sit at your ExCo table and challenge the status quo.
Market Intelligence & Competitor Benchmarking
We act as sophisticated talent advisors, not just recruiters. Beyond the search, we provide real-time data on CCO compensation structures, organisational design, and competitor talent mapping. We help you construct an offer that is competitive enough to secure top-tier talent in a high-demand market.
Speed Without Compromise: The Agile Search Model
Generalist search firms often spend the first month just learning what the role entails. We already know. Our deep domain expertise allows us to present a qualified shortlist in weeks, not months. We accelerate your time-to-hire by eliminating the learning curve, ensuring critical leadership gaps are filled faster.

Two women and a man dressed in smart work clothes engaged in conversation

Unrestricted Access: No "Off-Limits" Conflicts

The global search giants are often blocked from recruiting the best talent because of 'off-limits' restrictions with their vast client lists. As a specialist boutique, we have fewer conflicts of interest. We can headhunt the specific communications talent you need from your direct competitors — even when the big firms can't.

For business-critical hires, leadership roles, or confidential searches, partner with us to receive consultancy and recruitment advice to secure the right talent first time.

Request a Consultation >

What our customers say

Melanie Olrik

Chief People Officer, Hollis

We needed a fast solution for a senior hire. Comms Search & Selection's understanding of our needs, candidates provided and interview preparation ensured a thorough but efficient resolution.
Stephen Sobey

Media Relations, First Sentier Investors

Max and Muksheeda had a great understanding of my career aspirations. I was really impressed by their market knowledge, sector specialism and transparent communication during the process.
Teo Do

Senior Director, Investor Public Relations, Hines

From the outset, the team at Comms Search demonstrated proactiveness, making Hines a top priority. Each candidate was of excellent caliber, thoroughly vetted and well-suited for the role.
Abi Goldsbrough

Interim Marketing Communications Director, Hollis

Max took a genuinely personal approach throughout my recruitment journey. His in-house comms expertise was very clear. I started the role knowing exactly what was needed to support my new team.
Ben Tanner

Head of Media Relations, Ex Chubb and BNY Wealth and Investments

Max Forsyth of Comms Search & Selection is an exceptional professional and a true partner for job seekers. With extensive experience, he secures roles that align with candidates’ skills.
Sara Mack

Public Relations Director, Climate Investments

Max is the consummate professional. He took time to understand our needs and produced an excellent shortlist of candidates, providing us with unique insights, resulting in hires each time.
Oksana Poltavets

VP, Corporate Communications, Global Investment Bank in New York

I’ve worked with a good number of recruiters over the last 15 years and you’re by far the best - super organized, knowledgeable, and helpful.
Claire Nolan

Corporate Communications Contractors, First Sentier Investors

Working with Max is always an absolute pleasure. He really listens to requirements, is always open and honest, and manages expectations.
Chloe Magnuson

PR Manager, Dechert

Max played an instrumental role in securing my current position as a PR Manager for a global law firm. His guidance was invaluable in helping me prepare for interviews and negotiations.
Will McSheehy

Director of Corporate Affairs, Starling Bank

Max is a pleasure to work with. He's proactive, responsive and goes the extra mile to build a thriving network through his coffee club event series.

Our Expertise: Executive Leadership Across the Communications Function

We don’t just fill vacancies; we build world-class functions. From the Chief Communications Officer to the Head of Communications, we recruit the strategic leaders who own your corporate narrative, protect your reputation, and drive stakeholder value.

Corporate Communications

Recruiting Chief Communications Officers (CCO) & Group Heads of Communications. We place the guardians of your corporate brand. Leaders who integrate media relations, digital strategy, and stakeholder engagement to drive business performance.

Corporate Affairs

Heads of Corporate Affairs, Policy & Government Relations. Finding political heavyweights and policy experts who can navigate regulation, manage reputation risk, and secure your license to operate.

Executive Communications

Strategic Advisors to the CEO & Board. Headhunting the ghostwriters and strategists who craft the narrative for the C-Suite, ensuring your leadership’s vision is articulated with clarity and impact.

Internal Communications

Directors of Internal Communications & Employee Engagement. Leaders who partner with HR to drive organisational alignment, retention, and culture transformation during critical periods of growth or change.

Change Communications

Transformation & M&A Communications Leaders. Specialists in restructuring, mergers, and acquisitions. We find the talent that minimises disruption and maintains morale during complex transformations.

Investor Relations

Heads of Investor Relations & Capital Markets. Recruiting financially literate storytellers who can articulate your equity story to the street, managing analyst expectations and shareholder value.

Content & Thought-Leadership

Heads of Content & Storytelling. Modern leaders who turn your organisation into a media house, driving authority through owned content channels, social media and digital strategy, and executive thought leadership.

Public Relations

Media Relations Directors & Heads of PR. Connecting you with the calmest heads in the room. Experts in global media relations, crisis communications, and proactive reputation management.

Discuss Your Leadership Gap

Defining the mandate is the most critical step in a successful retained search. Contact our Managing Director for a confidential discussion on market compensation, role scoping, and how to attract the top 1% of communications talent to your organisation.

Book a Strategy Call >