Boutique Executive Search Solutions
DH Partners is the executive recruitment division of Darwin Hawkins, focused exclusively on senior finance and C-suite appointments across Ireland’s most ambitious organisations, from listed PLCs and private equity-backed businesses to top-tier professional services firms.
Founded and led by Niall O’Kelly FCA and Mark Baker FCA, both Chartered Accountants with over 24 years’ combined experience in executive search and financial leadership, DH Partners was created to deliver a higher standard of search, combining deep technical understanding, board-level judgement, and a trusted network built over decades.
DH Partners operates with the backing of James Caan CBE, renowned entrepreneur and former Dragons’ Den investor, whose Recruitment Entrepreneur platform has supported the firm’s growth since inception.
This partnership brings global insight and a scalable infrastructure, while ensuring our clients benefit from a founder-led, high-touch service.
At our core, we believe that leadership is the single most powerful driver of business performance. We partner with CEOs, Boards, and Managing Partners to deliver strategic talent that shapes the future of finance, governance, and commercial decision-making.
Our Executive Search Experts
Niall O'Kelly, FCA
Partner
With over 14 years of experience in finance recruitment in Ireland, Niall is a trusted specialist in senior-level accounting and finance appointments. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant (FCA) with PwC Dublin in 2009, before gaining valuable post-qualification experience in credit analysis and investment management reporting.
Niall spent seven years with FK International, where he built a strong reputation in senior finance recruitment. Today, he leads all senior-level accounting recruitment for industry clients, with a particular focus on retained search mandates for senior and C-suite finance roles, including CFO, Finance Director, and Chief Commercial Officer.
His sector expertise spans PLCs, REITs, Infrastructure, Construction, FMCG, Pharma, Tech, and Private Equity–backed businesses, making him a go-to advisor for strategic finance hiring in Dublin.
Mark Baker, FCA
Partner
Mark brings over a decade of finance recruitment experience in Ireland, underpinned by a strong technical background as a Chartered Accountant. He qualified with Deloitte Dublin in 2011 and spent three years post-qualification in portfolio management at Certus, a major player in the banking sector.
He began his recruitment career at FK International, where he developed a deep interest in talent advisory and leadership hiring. Today, Mark specialises in Partner-level and senior leadership appointments for top-tier professional services firms and financial institutions across Dublin.
Mark collaborates with Managing Partners, CEOs, and Boards on critical leadership and strategic hiring mandates.
James Caan CBE
Board Chairman
Often recognised outside the industry for his appearance in the BBC’s Dragon’s Den series, James Caan CBE has been in recruitment for over 30 years. As Board Chairman, James works closely with the Darwin Hawkins Partners Executive Search team to support the strategic direction of the company.
His wealth of knowledge in the recruitment industry enables leaders within the business to learn from his considerable experience and expertise.
