Executive Search Directory 2026
Tech Headhunters in San Francisco
18 executive search firms with Bay Area presence • Big 5 to boutique
Looking for open CTO and VP Engineering roles in San Francisco? Browse our executive tech job board — updated daily.
Spencer Stuart
Big 5Big 5 executive search firm. Founded 1956.
One of the Big 5 global executive search firms. Technology, Media & Telecommunications practice places CTO, CIO, and board-level technology leaders across Fortune 500 companies.
Russell Reynolds
Big 5Big 5 executive search firm. 47 offices worldwide.
Global leadership advisory firm with a dedicated Technology Officers practice. Known for placing CTOs and digital leaders at enterprise scale.
Heidrick & Struggles
Big 5Big 5. Publicly traded (HSII). Founded 1953.
Global executive search and leadership consulting firm. Technology & Services practice focuses on CTO, CIO, and digital transformation leadership.
Caldwell
GlobalPublicly traded (CWLPF). Founded 1970.
Canadian-origin global executive search firm. Technology practice places CTOs and engineering leaders, with strong ties to the North American VC ecosystem.
Christian & Timbers
Tech SpecialistPure-play tech. 5,000+ C-suite placements.
Exclusively technology and AI executive search with 40+ years of experience. Over 5,000 C-suite placements in technology roles. The largest pure-play tech executive search firm.
Daversa Partners
Tech SpecialistVC ecosystem specialist. Series B-D focus.
VC-backed and high-growth technology companies. Deep relationships with tier-1 venture firms (Sequoia, a16z, Bessemer). Known for fast timelines (8-9 weeks).
DHR Global
Tech Specialist50+ offices globally.
Global executive search with a dedicated Silicon Valley technology practice. Sits between boutique and Big 5 in reach and fee structure.
ZRG Partners
Tech SpecialistRaised $120M. Data-driven search platform.
Data-driven executive search using proprietary "Zi" talent intelligence platform. Technology, private equity, and financial services focus.
True Search
Tech SpecialistTechnology-focused executive search specializing in high-growth companies. Places CTOs, VPs of Engineering, and product leaders at venture-backed startups and scale-ups.
Riviera Partners
Tech SpecialistTechnology executive search firm focused on engineering and product leadership for high-growth companies. Known for deep Silicon Valley network.
KTG Search
Tech SpecialistTechnology executive search focused on placing engineering and product leaders at high-growth technology companies.
Harnham
AI & DataData/AI pure-play. Growing US presence.
Data, analytics, and AI executive search exclusively. Covers CDO, VP of Data, Head of ML, and Chief AI Officer roles. The go-to specialist for data and AI leadership.
Talentfoot
AI & DataRanked #1 AI executive search (multiple rankings).
Digital, technology, and AI leadership search. Ranked among top AI executive search firms. Serves 2,500+ companies placing CAIOs, CDOs, and AI product leaders.
Hunt Club
BoutiqueExpert network-driven executive search platform. Leverages a curated network of 10,000+ executives to source and vet candidates for technology leadership roles.
Husk Talent
BoutiqueBoutique technology executive search focused on placing engineering and product leaders at high-growth startups and scale-ups.
Shine
BoutiqueTechnology-focused executive search placing CTOs, VPs of Engineering, and product leaders at venture-backed companies.
TWG Global
BoutiqueExecutive search firm specializing in technology and engineering leadership placements at high-growth companies.
Safire Partners
BoutiqueBoutique executive search placing technology and engineering leaders at venture-backed companies.
Independent directory. Firms listed by tier and alphabetically within tier. Listings are not endorsements or rankings.
San Francisco Tech Market
San Francisco is the densest market for technology executive hiring in the world. The Bay Area concentrates AI startups, FAANG AI divisions, and VC-backed companies hiring CTOs, VPs of Engineering, and Chief AI Officers — and the venture capital infrastructure to fund them. No other US metro generates as many retained CTO searches.
Several of the most active tech-specialist search firms are based or have their primary office in San Francisco. Riviera Partners built its network almost entirely within the Silicon Valley engineering leadership community. Daversa Partners runs the bulk of its VC-backed CTO searches through its SF office, with direct relationships at Sequoia, Andreessen Horowitz, and Bessemer. All five Big 5 firms maintain Bay Area offices staffed with technology practice partners.
The compensation levels here are also in a different bracket. CTO total comp in the Bay Area regularly exceeds $500K for growth-stage companies and can surpass $1M at pre-IPO and public companies when stock grants are included. That pushes search fees higher than any other US metro — a 30% retainer on a $600K total comp CTO translates to $180K in fees. Firms that work the Bay Area regularly understand this landscape and can set candidate expectations accordingly.
San Francisco Tech Leadership Salaries
Executive search fees are a percentage of total compensation, so understanding the SF salary market directly affects what you pay for a search. Below: what technology leaders earn in the Bay Area in 2026.
| Role | Base Salary | Total Comp | Salary Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| CTO (Growth Stage) | $275K – $375K | $450K – $700K | CTO Salary Guide |
| VP Engineering | $250K – $350K | $400K – $600K | VP Eng Salary Guide |
| Chief AI Officer | $300K – $400K | $500K – $800K+ | CAIO Salary Guide |
| Director of Engineering | $225K – $300K | $300K – $500K | DoE Salary Guide |
The Monday Brief for Engineering Leaders
AI strategy, leadership lessons, and tech trends. In your inbox every Monday morning.
Subscribe to CTO Newsletter →