The following article was written by Niall O’Kelly, Partner at Darwin Hawkins, reflecting on the first year of our executive search practice, DH Partners.
When Mark and I launched DH Partners, our executive search arm, it was driven directly by client demand. Clients wanted a high-quality, deeply specialised alternative to the international search firms operating in Ireland.
Darwin Hawkins has always outperformed larger competitors in contingent recruitment through sector expertise, chartered accountant leadership and exceptional service. DH Partners takes that same approach into retained executive search, and the impact has been immediate.
Year One Highlights
- 11 executive mandates completed across C-Suite, ‘Head of’ and Partner level
- 3 RFP losses to a large global brand, each one helping us sharpen our proposition
- 1 RFP win against a major global executive search brand
- 100% acceptance rate on executive offers managed by DH Partners (so far!)
- 4 clients moved to an exclusive partnership model with DH Partners
- New exec level verticals added to the business – evolving with industry changes and client demand
- 100% retention rate on executive placements to date
- Strengthened Darwin Hawkins contingent business as clients increasingly value a unified, solutions-focused approach
One of our earliest searches became the blueprint for everything that followed. The client had always relied on global search firms for senior appointments. In the pitch, we didn’t try to appear bigger. Instead, we focused on what actually drives successful executive hiring: a bespoke, highly engaged search process, genuine market expertise and a commitment to outcomes, not optics.
We understand how the traditional search market operates. The pricing structures. The assumptions. The belief that a higher fee automatically means higher quality. Our approach is different. We price according to the complexity and strategic importance of each assignment. No uniform fee model. No legacy structures.
DH Partners is now a credible, high-performance alternative in the Irish market. Small enough to give senior-level attention. Specialist enough to deliver. Connected enough to outperform.
If you are considering a senior finance, Partner or C-suite hire in 2026 and want a discreet, expert-led process, we would be delighted to speak with you.