CEO Recruitment
Executive search for outstanding CEOs in charities, NGOs and purpose-led organisations
Access exceptional CEO talent with AWS
At AWS Executive, we specialise in CEO executive search for charities, non-profits, foundations and purpose-led organisations. Our focus is on identifying exceptional leaders who combine strategic capability with deep alignment to mission, values and impact.
Every search is tailored to your organisation’s culture, ambitions and stage of growth. Whether you are appointing a new CEO to lead transformation or succession planning for a key leadership transition, we connect you with proven senior leaders across the public, private and third sectors.
Finding the Right CEO to Lead Your Mission
The CEO is the driving force behind organisational success — shaping strategy, culture and long-term sustainability. The right appointment strengthens governance, builds financial resilience, and ensures your mission is delivered with clarity and impact.
We take a consultative, research-led approach to understand your organisation in depth before engaging the market. This enables us to identify leaders who not only meet the brief, but bring the vision, credibility and leadership style to move your organisation forward.
A Bespoke Executive Search Process
Our CEO search process is rigorous, structured and fully tailored to each appointment:
Discovery & Consultation
We define your leadership needs, organisational context and success profile.
Targeted Research & Headhunting
We identify and engage high-calibre CEOs and senior leaders across sectors, including passive candidates.
Assessment & Shortlisting
Candidates are evaluated for leadership capability, cultural alignment and strategic fit.
Diversity & Inclusive Search
We proactively widen access to talent from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds.
End-to-End Support
We guide clients through shortlist, selection and appointment to ensure a successful outcome.
Leadership That Creates Impact
Effective CEOs do more than manage organisations — they inspire teams, strengthen partnerships and deliver measurable social value.
Strong leadership enables:
- Clear strategic direction and governance oversight
- Stronger fundraising, partnerships and stakeholder engagement
- Better decision-making and organisational resilience
- Inclusive cultures that reflect the communities served
We place particular emphasis on identifying leaders who bring both capability and authenticity to purpose-led environments.
Values-Led CEO Appointments
We go beyond skills and experience to identify leaders who are genuinely aligned with your mission. The most effective CEOs are those who combine credibility with purpose — leaders who can embody your values and deliver meaningful, long-term impact.
Start Your CEO Search
Begin your executive search with a partner who understands leadership, purpose and impact.
Contact us now to discuss CEO & Board recruitment
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Working globally to find the next generation of Charity CEOs and Non-Profit Executives
Years of success, and counting
We provide Executive Search Recruitment for Charities, Non-Profits, NGOs, Charitable Trusts & Foundations and organisations dedicated to making a positive global impact. Typical appointments include Directors, CEOs, and Trustee positions.
'I have worked with AWS regularly over the past eight years and am always impressed by their extensive experience and sound values, and delighted by how straightforward they make the recruitment process.'
LGBT Youth Scotland
Our Expertise...
Are you looking for a candidate who can transform your organisation? Are you hiring for an executive-level position for an organisation who makes a positive economic impact and the world a better place?
If the answer is yes, you are in the right place.
aws Executive
Our Team are Experts in Executive Search Recruitment
We love building honest and lasting relationships. So, when you work with us, one of our managing partners will play a hands-on role in your journey. We’ll get to know you, personalise the process, and share our wealth of experience saving you time and money.
By working with us on an exclusive basis, we can dedicate the necessary time and resources required to target high-calibre, in-demand candidates who may not be actively seeking new opportunities.
With offices in London and Edinburgh, we work exclusively with organisations who are purpose-driven, and a provide a commitment to the growth and support of those who work for them.
Our small team of skilled Executive Search professionals believe that by recruiting exceptional people into meaningful roles, we can help to bring about positive change around the world.
