Functional Expertise

World class leadership across the business

Technology, data and new ways of working are changing what businesses need from their functional leaders. Leaders in operations, commercial, people and technology roles are now expected to shape strategy as well as deliver it, and to work closely with their peers across the business.

We help clients find and develop functional leaders who combine deep expertise with the commercial judgement to use it well.

Two Essenta consultants seated and smiling in a meeting space with plants

They don’t feel like an external search firm, they feel like an extension of my own team. They’re trusted advisers, they challenge constructively, and they deliver consistently.

Matt Stripe, CPO, Keller PLC (formerly LIPTON Teas and Infusions)

Essenta is less of a recruitment provider and more of a strategic talent partner—one that can help you define what you need, navigate the market and find the leadership capability to move the business forward.

People Director APAC

Functions

Explore our functional expertise

Functional leaders have a direct impact on how well a business performs and how quickly it can adapt. The right appointment strengthens both the function and the wider leadership team.

We have a deep understanding of how each function works, what strong capability looks like and how to assess it, so clients can appoint leaders with the right expertise to ensure their business keeps winning.

Glowing blue mushrooms in a dark forest

Technology Officers

Appointing technology leaders who can connect digital, data and AI to business strategy, modernize platforms and build the teams to deliver change.
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Forest floor covered in bluebells and wildflowers

HR

Supporting businesses looking for HR leaders who can shape organization design, build capability and support leadership teams through growth and change.
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Go-to-Market

Partnering with businesses seeking commercial leaders across sales, marketing, and customer functions who can align the go-to-market strategy and drive revenue growth.
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Operations

Securing operations leaders who can improve performance, strengthen supply chains, and use technology and data to run the business more efficiently as it grows.
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Black raven perched on a tree branch

Chair

Appointing Chairs and Independent Directors with boards and investors who bring independent judgment and strategic oversight.
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CFO

Securing outstanding CFOs and finance leaders for private equity and growth-equity-backed businesses across the UK, US, and Europe.
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CEO

Identifying leaders who deliver growth, transformation, and value, Essenta provides CEO search and Executive Search for B2B and B2C organizations.
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Case studies

Proven lasting impact

Our work spans established global businesses, founder-led companies and private equity portfolios, supporting appointments and leadership development across every major business function.

Explore how that work has helped clients build functional capability and stronger leadership teams.

Executive Search Data
Driving revenue growth: Refreshing commercial talent for Kantar across North America
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The Essenta difference

Why Essenta?

We combine deep functional expertise, global networks and rigorous Leadership Assessment to help clients appoint leaders who strengthen both their function and the wider leadership team.

 

Right first time

We invest upfront in understanding the business context, strategy and leadership challenge so that every search starts with clarity around what success actually requires.

A true partner

We work closely with leadership teams, boards and investors, bringing an informed point of view while remaining focused on the specific needs of the business.

Rigorous assessment

Our approach goes beyond experience and track record to understand capability, leadership style, potential and cultural alignment.

Here for the long term

Our client relationships extend beyond individual transactions. We support clients as businesses evolve, leadership teams change and new capability becomes necessary.

Right first time
A true partner
Rigorous assessment
Here for the long term