Who We Are

Professionalism Is the Foundation of Our Business

ACA Executive Search was founded on a simple conviction: that the most consequential leadership decisions deserve the attention of senior practitioners, working without the conflicts of a generalist firm. Every mandate we accept is led by a partner, briefed in person, and resourced from original research rather than recycled databases.

The strength of that approach is reflected in the most important metric in our business: more than 75% of our work is for clients who have engaged us before, or who have been introduced by someone who has.

What We Stand For

Four Principles That Shape Every Engagement

Discretion

Senior appointments are sensitive. We protect the interests, identity and timing of every client and candidate we work with.

Sector Depth

Our consultants have lived in their sectors. They speak the language, know the players and understand what good looks like.

Partner Led

The partner you meet at the briefing is the partner who runs the search, from research through to onboarding.

Long-Term View

We measure success in the appointments that endure. Three quarters of our work is repeat or referred; that is the only validation that matters.

Coverage

Thirteen Specialist Sectors

We place C-suite leaders, non-executive directors and senior advisors across the industries our consultants know best, built on three decades of network and firsthand operating experience.

Alternative Asset Management Hedge Funds Private Equity Venture Capital Asset Management Wealth Management Family Office Insurance Legal Technology, AI & Data Life Sciences Energy Real Estate

Our Process

A Disciplined Search, Built on Relationships

Define

We work with you to articulate the role, the success profile and the cultural context the appointment will operate within.

Research

Bespoke market mapping combined with our long-standing network produces a longlist grounded in evidence, not databases.

Engage

We approach candidates discreetly, assess against the brief, and present a considered shortlist with full diligence.

Secure

We support negotiation, onboarding and the first 100 days, protecting the appointment long after acceptance.

The People Behind Every Appointment

Leadership

Kelvin Trott

Chief Executive Officer

Kelvin leads ACA Executive Search, bringing three decades of experience placing senior leaders across alternative assets, technology and professional services. He is known for the discretion and rigour of his client work.

View LinkedIn Profile

Ian Axe

Chairman

Ian is Chairman of ACA Executive Search. A veteran of capital markets and financial services leadership — including Group CEO roles at Panmure Gordon and LCH Clearnet — he brings unrivalled insight to the firm's most senior mandates and to the strategic direction of the practice.