David Flanagan

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

Aberdeen

20 Golden Square
Aberdeen
Scotland

Case Studies

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Transforming Operations in a Family-Owned Medical Device Business

Securing Top Financial Leadership for a Global Industrial Equipment Provider

Explore how Boyden's targeted recruitment strategy unlocked the key fit for a global industrial giant seeking a VP of Finance to spearhead its North American growth ambitions.

Building Institutional Investment Operations Leadership for a Mission-Driven Family Office

Boyden partnered with a leading family office and its affiliated foundation to appoint a Head of Institutional Investment Operations capable of designing and implementing a scalable operational platform to support a growing investment portfolio and long-term philanthropic objectives.

Thought Leadership

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Blog

No exit: why PE-backed energy needs a new leadership playbook

As PE holding periods in energy stretch and exits narrow, this article explores why leadership strategy must adapt to fatigue, risk and changing investment realities.

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.