In Turkey, where industries are rapidly transforming and competition for skilled professionals is intense, headhunting firms—also known as executive search agencies—play a pivotal role in identifying and attracting top-tier talent.
Whether you’re a multinational company establishing operations in Istanbul or a local enterprise looking to expand, partnering with the right headhunter can make all the difference. In this article, we present the top headhunting firms in Turkey for 2025, along with tips on how to choose the best recruitment partner for your business needs.
Why Work with a Headhunting Firm in Turkey?
Executive search firms specialize in sourcing senior-level candidates, often for roles that are difficult to fill through conventional job postings. These agencies offer:
- Access to passive candidates not actively seeking employment
- Industry-specific knowledge and talent mapping
- Confidential hiring, especially for sensitive leadership changes
- Strategic alignment between candidate experience and company goals
With Turkey’s labor market becoming more global and competitive, these firms help bridge the gap between local business needs and world-class talent.
Top 7 Headhunting Firms in Turkey in 2025
Here’s a curated list of the most reputable executive search firms operating in Turkey this year:
1. Korn Ferry Turkey
Location: Istanbul
Specialties: C-level recruitment, leadership development, organizational consulting
Korn Ferry is a globally renowned firm with a strong presence in Turkey. It provides a full range of services including talent acquisition, assessment, and leadership coaching. It’s often the first choice for multinational corporations.
Best for: Large enterprises needing international reach and executive advisory.
2. Egon Zehnder
Location: Istanbul
Specialties: Board and CEO search, digital leadership, governance
Egon Zehnder is another global leader in executive search with a boutique approach. It is highly selective and focuses on long-term leadership impact.
Best for: Board-level recruitment and high-stakes leadership roles.
3. Odgers Berndtson Turkey
Location: Istanbul
Specialties: Technology, industrial, healthcare, and public sector recruitment
Odgers Berndtson offers tailored solutions with a strong focus on executive placement for growing sectors like tech, fintech, and healthcare.
Best for: Companies seeking a personalized approach to top-level hiring.
4. Peopletalent
Location: Istanbul
Specialties: Technology, finance, startups, and mid-senior roles
Peopletalent is a respected local firm known for its agility and deep understanding of Turkey’s corporate landscape. It is especially effective in finding bilingual professionals with international experience.
Best for: Fast-growing startups and tech-driven companies.
5. Boyden Turkey
Location: Istanbul
Specialties: Industrial, consumer goods, professional services
Boyden is a well-established executive search firm with global coverage and local insight. Their consultants are seasoned professionals with deep sector expertise.
Best for: Mid-sized businesses looking for sector-specific leadership.
6. Michael Page Executive Search Turkey
Location: Istanbul
Specialties: Mid to senior-level roles across all industries
Michael Page is known globally for recruitment, and its executive search division in Turkey offers solid results for companies in need of experienced professionals quickly.
Best for: Businesses wanting both speed and reliability in their hiring process.
7. Alfred H. Knight Talent Solutions (AHK Turkey)
Location: Istanbul
Specialties: Engineering, energy, and supply chain
AHK Talent Solutions has a strong foothold in technical and industrial recruitment. With their global support, they assist manufacturing and logistics companies in Turkey to identify and attract technical leadership.
Best for: Engineering firms and industrial enterprises.
How to Choose the Right Headhunting Partner in Turkey
When selecting a headhunting firm, it’s essential to consider the following:
✔️ Industry Focus
Choose a firm that has proven experience in your sector. For example, if you’re hiring a CTO, look for firms with expertise in tech.
✔️ Network Reach
Does the agency have access to local and international talent pools? Can they reach bilingual professionals or Turkish expatriates willing to return?
✔️ Confidentiality
Ensure the agency is capable of handling high-level recruitment discreetly, particularly if you’re replacing someone in an executive role.
✔️ Process Transparency
Ask about their candidate vetting process, timelines, and how many profiles you can expect to receive.
✔️ Post-Hire Support
Top firms provide onboarding guidance and follow-ups after placement to ensure a successful transition.
The Role of Headhunting in Turkey’s Talent Market
Turkey is undergoing significant transformation in 2025. Digitalization, international expansion, and evolving work models (hybrid and remote) are creating both challenges and opportunities for employers.
Head-hunting firms play a critical role in:
- Finding bilingual leaders for international operations
- Locating rare skillsets, especially in data, AI, biotech, and digital finance
- Reducing mis-hires through professional assessments
- Strengthening employer branding through strategic representation
As Turkey’s economy continues to modernize, executive search firms will remain essential partners in long-term organizational growth.
Choosing the right headhunting firm in Turkey can make a measurable impact on your organization’s future. Whether you’re hiring a CEO, financial director, or tech innovator, these executive search firms in Turkey offer the expertise, networks, and professionalism required to secure the right leadership.
If you’re considering hiring top-level professionals in 2025, partnering with a reliable headhunter could be your smartest business move.
Want to explore how headhunting can support your company’s hiring strategy in Turkey?
Contact us today for guidance or a referral to the best agency for your industry.
