In the Media
Adapting and Thriving Under the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan
David Flanagan
Head of Research, United Kingdom
David Flanagan is a versatile executive search professional and research lead with nearly 20 years of experience sourcing executives for diverse senior management and board roles. He partners with clients ranging from high-growth enterprises to some of the most recognised global companies on the FTSE 100, demonstrating his ability to meet leadership requirements across specialisations and sectors.
Professional Focus
- Nearly 20 years’ experience in executive search
- Extensive track record of searches across functions and industries
- Broad industry expertise spanning financial services, professional services, energy, public sector, engineering, manufacturing, FMCG, transportation, life sciences, pharmaceuticals, and construction
- Works with clients of all sizes and ownership structures in both the public and private sectors, including startups, SMEs, and global FTSE 100 companies
Business Expertise
- Director of Talent Attraction & Research at one of the UK’s leading boutique executive search and board advisory firms; promoted from Head of Research and Senior Researcher roles
- Title & Company Searcher at SPH Onesearch, a leading provider of conveyancing search information to the property industry
Additional Expertise
- Financial Services
- Professional Services
- Energy
- Public Sector
- Engineering
- Manufacturing
- Consumer Products - FMCG
- Transportation
- Life Sciences
- Pharmaceuticals
- Construction
Education & Certifications
- Executive Leadership Programme, University of Edinburgh Business School
- MA (Hons) and MLitt., University of St Andrews
Case Studies
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Transforming Operations in a Family-Owned Medical Device Business
A Time-Critical CFO Hire for a Scaling, PE-Backed Manufacturer
Boyden partnered with a private equity-backed leader in automated test systems to execute a Partner-led search with disciplined assessment and rapid momentum, identifying a finalist within two weeks and closing the mandate within 60 days.
Building a High-Performance HR Function for a Multi-Site Laboratory Organization
Through collaboration with Boyden, the Chief People Officer of a PE-backed company secured two pivotal leaders, a Vice President of Human Resources and a Head of Talent Acquisition, to elevate human capital strategy, drive transformation, streamline recruitment, and strengthen enterprise alignment.
Thought Leadership
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Articles & Papers
A Regional CEO Search to Realise U.S. Market Potential for a European Family-Owned Business
A European family-owned business approaching generational transition recognized that its U.S. operation required more than continuity—it required growth. The challenge was to redefine leadership for a critical market while navigating family dynamics and cross-border complexity. Here’s how the right appointment helped unlock the company’s U.S. potential.
Articles & Papers
MedTech Leadership Succession & Next-Gen Executive Strategy
Discover why MedTech leadership succession is a strategic imperative—and how these companies can build strong, future-ready executive pipelines.
Articles & Papers
Why Leadership Capability is now the Defining Challenge for Family Businesses
Voices of Family Business Survey
Articles & Papers
Private Equity's Role in Powering the Energy Transition
As energy markets transform, private equity is driving the transition with diversified portfolios and leaders who can master both legacy and renewable systems.
Media
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Navigating the Complex World of Global Sports with Jonny Gray
Podcast
Curiosity vs Expertise—Why Leaders Are Generalists with Xenia Wickett Founder of Wickett Advisory
Podcast
Leaders in Focus featuring Chad Hesters, CEO and President of Boyden
Video
Leaders in Focus featuring Mark Russell, CEO, The Children's Society
Video
Contact David Flanagan today and let's get started