Public Company

Your Public Company Executive Search Firm Partner

At Herd Freed Hartz, we specialize in retained executive search services tailored for publicly traded companies. We work closely with internal HR and talent acquisition teams to recruit transformational leaders who drive shareholder value, earn investor trust, and lead with integrity in the public eye.

Our proven methodology, deep executive network, and industry knowledge enable us to quickly and strategically fill roles with high-impact talent you won’t find through traditional channels. Whether you’re hiring a CEO, CFO, board member, or functional executive, we deliver candidates who align with your business goals—and your public responsibilities.

Attracting World-Class Leaders to Public Companies in the Northwest

The Pacific Northwest is home to a diverse and growing ecosystem of public companies in technology, life sciences, energy, and beyond. With over 150 publicly traded companies across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho—and a combined $1 trillion in market cap from the Seattle region alone (source: NASDAQ and PitchBook)—the stakes for leadership hiring are high.

Public company executives must do more than lead teams—they must communicate with stakeholders, manage quarterly earnings expectations, navigate SEC compliance, and build confidence across internal and external audiences. We bring deep regional knowledge and national reach to help you hire leaders who are ready to perform under pressure and in the spotlight.

Executive Search for Public Companies Requires Specialized Expertise

What sets executive search for public companies apart is the added complexity of regulatory requirements, board dynamics, and investor relations. According to a PwC Board Survey, 84% of directors say succession planning is a top priority—yet many lack the internal resources to execute a high-quality search.

We focus on identifying candidates who not only bring operational excellence but also thrive in public company environments. Our search process evaluates:

• Public company leadership experience
  
• SEC and Sarbanes-Oxley compliance familiarity
  
• Board communication skills
  
• ESG and diversity leadership credibility
  
• Alignment with shareholder and brand values

We know how to assess more than resumes—we identify leaders who perform with integrity, resilience, and purpose.

Navigating a Changing Talent Landscape

Public company recruiting works best when it’s strategic, transparent, and aligned with business outcomes. We offer a full-cycle search process that includes:

• Role and stakeholder alignment
  
• Customized sourcing and outreach
  
• Structured assessments and behavioral interviews
  
• Cultural fit analysis
  
• Board-ready reporting and candidate presentation
  

Most importantly, we operate as a strategic partner, not a transactional vendor. Our clients value our responsiveness, discretion, and commitment to results.

Why Leadership Authenticity Matters More Than Ever

Today’s top executive candidates evaluate potential employers as closely as they are evaluated. Leadership transparency, corporate values, and mission alignment influence whether high-performing candidates will say yes.

We help public companies articulate their story in a way that attracts leaders aligned with your culture and ready to elevate it. Our regional expertise in the Northwest, combined with our national candidate reach, gives you the best of both worlds.

Because in a public company, leadership matters. And how you hire them can be the difference between finding a dynamic leader that drives growth and innovation and a string of disappointments and missed opportunities. 

Let’s connect.
If you’re preparing for an executive search at a publicly traded company or planning for future succession, we’re here to help. Contact us to start a conversation.