Revolutionising Executive Search One Hire at a Time

Intelligence-led. Operator-informed. Flat-fee Model.

Delivering the integrated leaders who drive transformation and sustainable growth in modern organisations.

Traditional rigour. A different philosophy. My experience across markets – and later leading Executive Hiring for a major UK retail bank – shaped the integrated lens I bring to senior search. Modern organisations need leaders who can operate across technology, data, regulation and organisational strategy.

We apply top‑tier search methodology, but with a model built for clarity and proportionality. The focus is simple: securing the right leader for the right scope, delivered with pace and precision.

A model built for clarity.

Our services are designed to complement your internal capabilities, not compete with them.

Executive Search: End-to-end management of MD & ED appointments.
Market Mapping: Real-time visibility of the talent landscape before you commit to a hire.
Research Accelerator: High-intensity intelligence to supercharge your in-house TA team.

Our Pricing Philosophy:

Fees should reflect the work, not the candidate’s salary. We operate on a Flat Fee structure, typically 40–60% below market rates, providing you with total budget certainty.

A process built on partnership

Insight Led Research

We don’t advertise; we map the market – identifying the “atypical,” cross-domain leaders that traditional silos overlook.

Clear Process

Full transparency – you see the data, the insights, and the calibration in real time.

Direct Communication

You work directly with a partner, not a junior researcher.

Long-Term Mindset

We measure success by the impact of the hire, not the closing of the fee.

Specialisms for a complex market

Governance

Risk, Compliance & Financial Crime

Data & Emerging Tech

Enterprise Data, AI Architecture & Governance

Strategy & Transformation

Leaders who can navigate the intersection of technology, regulation, and organisational strategy.

27 Years Building the Talent Foundations for Stronger Senior Hires

I’m Carlton Schoburgh, Founder & Executive Search Partner.
Across 27 years in talent acquisition — including leading MD and ED hiring at one of the UK’s Top Retail Banks — I’ve partnered with FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 organisations to build senior leadership capability under real institutional complexity.

That experience is the foundation of Brown Strategic Search Partners:
a firm designed to deliver exceptional executive hires with the precision, pace, and partnership senior appointments demand.

Testimonials

“Looking for a new role in the City can be quite a mixed experience, but I found Carlton to be an incredibly positive, professional and knowledgeable recruiter who made the process much easier. He also knows more about the sector than many of the specialist recruiters I’ve met. I found him to be a real pleasure to work with and have no hesitation in recommending him.”

Senior Compliance Manager, Previously Compliance Officer, Europe, Travelers

Lucia Dormer

“I have worked with Carlton for many years and have always been impressed by him, he has been my first port of call for recruitment needs and advice for over 20 years! He consistently demonstrates a high level of professionalism, discretion and insight into the market. Carlton has supported me with multiple appointments, taking the time to understand not only my experience, but the strategic context, culture and leadership challenges of the organisations involved. He inspires trust with his wise well-informed advice and the care and consideration he takes. I feel very lucky to have met him early on in my career and to have benefitted from his experience and knowledge since then. As he establishes his executive search business, I have no hesitation in recommending Carlton to anyone seeking a credible, values-led search partner with strong market intelligence and a long-term perspective.”

Previously Global Technology HR, HSBC

Beth Lewis, Executive Coach

“I had the pleasure of working closely with Carlton for over six years in a variety of roles. What truly sets him apart is the trust he builds so naturally with everyone he works with. This has always elevated every project we have worked on together. He has an exceptional talent for understanding a brief in its full context, picking up on the nuances that really matter to clients and candidates alike. His market knowledge and insight into the competitive landscape consistently add depth and perspective, helping hiring managers make confident, well-informed decisions. Carlton approaches his work with professionalism, care, and pace, while always remaining collaborative and incredibly approachable. The experience he creates — for clients and candidates — is thoughtful, credible, and genuinely positive. I would recommend him wholeheartedly – a true partner.”

Previously Head of Strategic Talent, Santander, UK

Michelle Dytham-Walker

Looking for a more considered approach to executive search?