Executec Search Agency

What Executec Search Agency does

Executec Search Agency is a boutique executive search firm founded in 1984 by Mark Moyer, originally in Santa Monica, California and relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1989. The firm specializes in senior-level recruitment for scientific instrument manufacturers, operating across five defined verticals: Analytical Chemistry, Life Sciences, Semiconductor, Process/Test & Measurement, and Medical/Clinical Diagnostics. Its client base spans Fortune 500 enterprises through to mid-sized firms and startups, with named engagements including Illumina, Agilent, Thermo Fisher, Malvern, Shimadzu, Brooks Automation, NanoString, Buchi, Ametek, Bruker, and Dovetail Genomics.

The firm operates two service models: a retained search offering branded 'Executec Select' and a contingency search offering. Revenue is generated through placement fees on successful executive searches, with the firm reporting that 80% of business originates from repeat clients and referrals, and an additional 15% specifically from referrals. The firm does not operate a technology platform or AI-based sourcing product; its core asset is a candidate and client network cultivated over four decades, supported by 'thousands of searches' completed since founding.

Executec is a private, for-profit entity operating with a small team of 1–10 employees and core leadership of two — Mark Moyer (President and founder) and Chris Avron (VP Key Accounts, since 1998). It has no disclosed external funding, no acquisitions, no IPO, and operates exclusively in North America. The firm also maintains a charitable giving program across multiple non-profit organizations.

Name

Executec Search Agency

Legal name

Executec Search Agency, Inc.

Website

https://executecsearch.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1984

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Executec Search Agency is a boutique executive search firm founded in 1984, recruiting senior leaders for scientific instrument manufacturers across Analytical Chemistry, Life Sciences, Semiconductor, Process/Test & Measurement, and Medical/Clinical Diagnostics, serving Fortune 500, mid-size, and startup clients in North America.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Executive Search and Recruiting Services

NAICS

Executive Search Services (561312)

SIC

Services-Employment Agencies (7361)

akta.pro primary industry

C-Suite & Board Search (BPACAAAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Functional Leadership Search (HR/Finance/Legal/Marketing/Sales/Ops) (BPACAAAB), Healthcare & Life Sciences Leadership Search (BPACAAAE)

Keywords

• Executive search services
• Scientific instrument recruiting
• Life sciences headhunting
• Retained executive search
• Specialized industry recruiting

Headquarters

HQ city

Las Vegas

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Others

Revenue model

1. Retained Search Services: Primary revenue stream. Retained search represents commitment from both client and firm, typically involving upfront fees and guaranteed candidate presentation for senior-level positions including C-suite, Board members, Presidents, VPs, and Directors.
2. Contingency Search Services: Secondary model offered alongside retained search. Provides same commitment level as retained search but fee is contingent upon successful placement. Used to fulfill broader hiring needs beyond executive-level positions.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Executec Search Agency is a boutique executive recruiting firm that places leadership and commercially-focused talent for manufacturers of scientific instruments, life science tools, and process instrumentation. Its primary engagements are retained executive searches (Executec Select) with secondary contingency search services, covering roles from C-suite and Board-level positions to field sales, applications scientists, and service engineers across five vertical markets.

Product overview

Executec Search Agency is an executive recruiting firm offering two primary service models: Executec Select (retained search) and contingency search services. The company specializes in placing talent across five market verticals—Analytical Chemistry, Life Sciences, Semiconductor, Process/Test & Measurement, and Medical/Clinical Diagnostics. Their functional expertise spans from C-level executives (CEO, COO, CTO, CSO, CMO) to field sales representatives, applications scientists, and service engineers. As a trusted advisor and extension of clients' human resources departments, they focus on commercially-focused roles in scientific disciplines for instrument manufacturers worldwide.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Executec Select Retained Search Retained executive search service for senior-level hiring (C-suite, Board, Presidents, VPs, Directors) at scientific instrument manufacturers; emphasis on credibility, competitive edge, and commitment with guaranteed performance outcomes.
• Contingency Search Services Contingency-based recruiting offering the same commitment as retained search, with fee paid upon successful placement; covers individual contributor through executive-level roles in scientific instrumentation industries.
• Analytical Chemistry Recruiting Executive search services for manufacturers of scientific instrumentation used in R&D, QC/QA, materials testing, and chemistry research, covering chromatography (LC, HPLC, GC, IC), spectroscopy (FT-IR, UV-Vis, ICP, AA, Mass Spec, X-ray), surface analysis, materials characterization, electrochemistry, and thermal analysis.
• Life Sciences Recruiting Executive recruitment services for molecular biology, microbiology, immunology, genomics, proteomics, and microarray instrumentation companies, placing candidates from senior executives to field support professionals.
• Semiconductor Recruiting Recruiting services for semiconductor industry professionals, including materials engineers and executives, specializing in high-technology metrology, microscopy, and instrumentation for surface analysis, wafer inspection, material characterization, failure analysis, and optical measurement.
• Process, Test & Measurement Recruiting Executive search for companies manufacturing instrumentation for on-line/at-line measurement, gas analysis, industrial hygiene, emissions monitoring, refinery process control, in-plant monitoring, flow measurement, and PAT initiative sensors.
• Medical/Clinical Diagnostics Recruiting Recruitment services for medical and clinical diagnostic instrumentation including histology, pathology, diagnostic test kits, x-ray, NMR, surgical microscopy, video interface, medical devices, genetic testing, newborn screening, immunology, and radiological fields.
• Functional Expertise Placement Services Recruiting services covering executive and operational roles including CEO, President, COO, Director of Sales, Marketing, Engineering, R&D Manager, Product Manager, Regional Sales Manager, Sales Engineer, Field Application Scientist, and Field Service Engineer positions across scientific instrument manufacturers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Nearly 80% of searches are for repeat clients or candidates that are now clients
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered minor.

• St. Jude Children's Research HospitalminorOthersCharitable giving program where Executec donates to St. Jude with every placement fee earned. Part of company philanthropy initiative supporting children's healthcare and research.
• Special OlympicsminorOthersCharitable recipient of company donations. Executec contributes a portion of placement fees to support Special Olympics programs.
• Boys & Girls Club of AmericaminorOthersCorporate philanthropy partner receiving donations from Executec Search Agency's placement fee contributions.
• GBS/CIDP FoundationminorOthersMedical research foundation receiving charitable donations from Executec Search Agency.
• Opportunity VillageminorOthersLas Vegas-based charitable organization supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities. Executec supports through placement fee donations.
• Pan-Mass ChallengeminorOthersCharitable cycling event raising funds for cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Executec contributes to this cause through their donation program.
• NOGLSTP (National Organization of Gay Scientists and Technical Professionals)minorOthersProfessional organization supported by Executec Search Agency through their charitable giving program supporting diversity in STEM.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Scientific Search: Specialized recruiting firm focused on scientific, laboratory, and instrumentation professionals — directly comparable to Executec in serving analytical chemistry, life sciences, and process instrument manufacturers.
• CarterBaldwin Executive Search: Boutique retained executive search firm specializing in life sciences, biotech, and medical device sectors — closely comparable to Executec in size, vertical focus, and C-suite/VP placement mandate.
• Beacon Hill Life Sciences: Staffing and search division of Beacon Hill specializing in life sciences hiring across commercial, scientific, and operational roles — overlapping with Executec on life sciences executive placements.
• The Mullings Group: Boutique executive search firm focused on technology and life sciences companies, placing commercial and operational leaders — directly comparable to Executec's niche retained search model.

Broad incumbents

• DHR International: Global executive search firm (now DHR Global) with life sciences and industrial practices that competes for retained executive mandates at scientific instrument manufacturers.
• Spencer Stuart: Global executive search incumbent with a Healthcare and Life Sciences practice serving scientific instrument and biotech clients, competing directly for the retained executive mandates Executec leads.
• Heidrick & Struggles: Global executive search firm with a dedicated Life Sciences practice that competes for the same C-suite and senior commercial mandates at scientific instrument OEMs like Agilent, Thermo Fisher, and Bruker that Executec serves.
• Korn Ferry: Largest global organizational consulting firm with a substantial executive search practice spanning life sciences, healthcare, and industrial technology, often competing with Executec for senior commercial leadership roles.
• Egon Zehnder: Global executive search firm with a strong Life Sciences and Technology practice that competes for retained C-suite mandates across analytical instruments, diagnostics, and biotech end markets.
• Russell Reynolds Associates: Global executive search firm with established Life Sciences and Healthcare practices that routinely places senior leaders at scientific instrument and diagnostics companies — overlapping directly with Executec's verticals.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/executec-search-agency-inc-

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Executec Search Agency