Slayton Search Partners

Firm Overview

Founded in Chicago in 1985, Slayton Search Partners has grown to become one of the top retained executive search firms in North America. Over the last 40 years, we have partnered with some of America’s most recognized companies to build one of their most important assets: the superior executive management talent needed to drive better performance in today’s competitive global economy. We serve our clients globally and are a multi-specialty firm focused on serving clients in Consumer (Consumer Packaged Goods/Fast Moving Consumer Goods, Consumer Services, Fashion & Apparel, and Durables); Retail; Insurance; Financial Services; and Industrial sectors. We also serve our clients with deep functional expertise in P&L Leadership (CEO, President, Group P&L Leaders), Finance, Supply Chain & Operations, Information Technology, Human Resources, Marketing & Sales, and Research & Development.

Off-Limits Policy

We typically observe off-limits for a minimum of one year after the completion of an engagement.

Average Time to Completion on Assignment

120 days

Recently Completed Assignments

News Briefings

Slayton Search Partners Expands Consumer Practice

Slayton Search Partners has expanded with the addition of David Turner as executive vice president in the firm’s consumer practice. “We are thrilled to welcome David to Slayton Search Partners,” said Richard Slayton, managing partner and CEO. “His extensive experience in food and agriculture, combined with his proven track record in executive search and his global perspective,...

Hunt Scanlon’s Top 10 Recruiting Stories of 2025

In 2025, the recruiting and executive search industry entered a pivotal transformation driven by the rapid integration of AI and data intelligence. As firms navigated uneven hiring demand and ongoing consolidation, recruiters increasingly turned to AI-powered platforms, advanced analytics, and leadership science to deliver sharper insight, faster outcomes, and measurable value for clients. Investor activity...

The Emergence of the Chief AI Officer: What Leaders Need to Understand

Boards and CEOs are quickly realizing that AI isn’t just another tool—it’s becoming a foundational operating layer. That acceleration is forcing companies to rethink who sets priorities, manages risk, and turns experimentation into measurable value. Out of that pressure, a dedicated C-suite leader for enterprise AI strategy is starting to take shape. Not long ago,...

Slayton Search Partners Appoints Senior Vice President

Slayton Search Partners has expanded with the addition of Dan Plourde as senior vice president and principal. He will focus on supporting the firm’s industrial and consumer practices, bringing nearly two decades of executive search and recruitment experience to the team. “Dan’s extensive experience in executive search, combined with his proven track record of building...

Women Leaders Poised to Redefine the Future of Banking and Financial Services

Women continue to gain ground in banking and financial services, making measurable impact across teams with innovative solutions and notable wins for their institutions. Yet despite filling most entry and mid-level positions at banks and financial firms, women remain significantly underrepresented in upper management, a recent report from Slayton Search Partners’ Stuart Smith. According to McKinsey,...

Slayton Search Partners Announces Promotions

Slayton Search Partners has announced made strategic promotions within its leadership team. “These promotions reflect Slayton Search Partners' commitment to recognizing exceptional talent and fostering leadership development within the organization,” the firm said. “The newly expanded leadership team will continue to drive the firm's mission of delivering outstanding executive search solutions while pursuing strategic growth...