Our Story
Harty Leadership Advisors is a boutique executive search and leadership advisory firm which is built on a legacy of integrity, judgement, and partnership.
Our story began in 1985, when John Harty Snr founded one of Ireland’s pioneering executive search firms in Limerick. At a time when the profession was in its early stages, he established a business defined by trust, insight, and a commitment helping organisations appoint leaders who shaped their future.
That entrepreneurial spirit continued to grow. In 2003, John Harty Jnr joined the family firm, later opening the Dublin office in 2005 and expanding its reach across financial services, board recruitment, and senior executive search. In 2007, John became the business lead, creating the brand Harty International as a leading boutique in the Irish market, extending the firms footprint internationally into the UK market and partnering throughout Europe with likeminded search firms. The firm became known for its expertise at board level with a personal, relationship-led approach and a deep understanding of leadership landscape.
Building on that foundation, John successfully exited Harty International and went on to hold senior roles with two of the world’s leading global executive search and leadership advisory firms, Korn Ferry and Spencer Stuart, advising clients across Ireland, the UK, and internationally. This experience brought exposure to global best practice, complex CEO and CXO succession mandates, board advisory work, and leadership assessment at the highest levels.
In 2025, Harty Leadership Advisors was established to bring together the best of both worlds: the heritage and values of an independent family-led boutique advisory firm, and the standards, sophistication, and insight of global search experience.
Today, we partner with boards, CEOs, investors, and senior leaders to identify, assess, and develop the leadership talent that enables organisations to achieve their purpose and potential. With a global reach and a boutique approach, the firm works closely with exciting and interesting organisations supporting them on their journey.
Our Team
Services
