ExactSearch.AI

A Retained Search Firm

AI-Powered | Human Results

The Same Elite Search Experience... at half the cost
17% Fees - 100% Results

ExactSearch is the most affordable executive search firm in the U.S., combining AI-enhanced recruiting with a high-touch client experience to help companies hire top leadership faster and smarter.

The Exact Advantage

Executive Talent for Today’s Demands
and Tomorrow’s Innovation

Great companies are built by great leaders, but traditional executive search is slow, expensive, and stuck in the past.

ExactSearch was created to change that.

With over 50 years of combined experience at the world’s top executive search firms, we bring partner-level search execution, powered by advanced AI tools and smart automation, to deliver results in half the time and at a fraction of the typical cost.

Our pricing is straightforward and cost-efficient:

  • $20,000 flat retainer to initiate the search
  • 17% Fees
  • No bloated overhead, no junior handoffs, no inflated markups

That means you get top-tier executive talent at up to 50% lower cost — without compromising on quality, service, or outcome.

And as leadership requirements evolve, we help companies go further — not just filling roles, but hiring for what’s next. That’s why we developed:

AI-LQ™ — the AI Leadership Quotient™

This proprietary framework helps assess a candidate’s ability to lead in an AI-driven world:

  • Can they integrate AI into strategy and operations?
  • Do they understand how automation and data change decision-making?
  • Are they ready to scale with the future, not just manage the present?

Whether you’re hiring a classic operator or a next-gen innovator, we deliver leaders with the judgment, adaptability, and vision to move your business forward.

Affordable Retained Search Fees

Sample Fee Comparison
$280,000 Total Candidate Compensation

Total Savings ~50%

Your ExactSearch Fee Estimate

ExactSearch Fee

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Our Competitor's

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*Disclaimer: Competitive pricing is based on publicly available information and industry benchmarks.

Top Search Firm Experience, Proven Expertise

With decades of experience in leading global firms, our team brings unparalleled expertise and insight to every project. Our proven track record reflects a deep understanding of diverse industries and complex business challenges.

01

All Industries

Our expertise spans the full spectrum of industries, delivering nuanced insights across diverse sectors.

01

All Growth Stages

We cover the full spectrum of business growth stages, from emerging ventures to established market leaders.

01

All Roles

We place exceptional leaders across all functional verticals, including finance, technology, marketing, HR, and more.

The Exact Process

Sign & Launch

Search Intake

Comprehensive review of company goals, direction, needs, and culture. Identify key attributes of ideal candidate.

Collaborate to Calibrate

Refine target candidate profiles to continuously optimize the best fit.

Contact & Outreach

Initial Contact

Using our 4-prong approach, we will go to lengths to contact the agreed-upon candidates.

Introductions/ Interviews

For candidates who have expressed interest, we will closely align their experience with the search intake documentation to ensure the best match.

Your Target

Insight & Evaluation

Ongoing communication to discuss fresh market intelligence & insights, and candidate pipeline updates.

Finalize & Negotiate

Candidates complete interview process.
Negotiation stages and final discussions take place to insure a positive placement experience.

Testimonials

“Exact Search’s 17% fee saved us 50% compared to other firms. Affordable, transparent, and fast executive search — highly recommended.”
— Founder & CEO,
Consumer Health Company

“We received qualified executive candidates delivered in 2 weeks. The low retainer meant low risk. Exact Search is the best for affordable, fast retained search.”
— Head of Talent, Fintech Startup

“Their AI-LQ™ framework helped us assess AI-savvy leaders accurately. We hired a transformative COO with true AI fluency.”
— CEO, Seed-Stage AI Startup

“We finally found an executive search partner with affordable pricing that cut our hiring costs by half, all without sacrificing top quality.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is ExactSearch more affordable than traditional firms?

By automating sourcing, streamlining processes, and reducing overhead costs, we pass the savings directly to our clients while maintaining a high-quality service.

How fast can ExactSearch fill an executive role?

ExactSearch typically takes as 1 to 2 months without compromising quality.

How does ExactSearch ensure quality despite faster hiring speeds?

Our experienced human recruiters validate and vet top candidates before presenting them. Additionally, our AI-powered platform continuously refines its candidate recommendations based on real-time data, ensuring a precise fit.

We endeavor to present final candidates within 30 days on every search.

Yes. And the retainer is applied towards the final fee.

Why don’t you charge Admin fees?

We believe you should pay for results, not overhead. Our model is streamlined and efficient – no padded fees, just high-impact search work that delivers.

Every search is led by one of our experienced principals – never junior staff. You get partner-level expertise from start to finish.

Do you work with Private Equity or Venture Capital firms?

Yes. We provide packaged, cost-effective, and fast executive search solutions tailored to the needs of portfolio companies.

Is AI replacing human recruiters?

Absolutely not! Human expertise remains essential in assessing leadership capabilities, cultural fit, and soft skills. AI enhances and accelerates our process.

Can I be involved in the search process?

Yes! Using our Collaborate to Calibrate approach, we work with our clients to ensure the best fit.

Can ExactSearch conduct stealth or confidential executive searches?

Yes. We specialize in discreet searches, ensuring that your organization’s hiring plans remain confidential while we identify and engage top talent.

What types of roles does ExactSearch specialize in?

We specialize in executive and senior-level positions across various industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, and more.

About Exact

01

Mike Caggiano

Founder | CEO

Mike Caggiano is the CEO and Co-Founder of ExactSearch.AI, bringing over 30 years of experience in executive search, leadership, and business strategy. He previously led Robert Half’s executive search practice to a #1 national ranking and most recently served as the leader of another national executive search practice. Mike’s experience as a CEO, President, COO, CFO, and CPA firm partner gives him a uniquely broad perspective on the business aspects of retained search and what great leadership teams need to succeed. He has worked with a wide range of industries and organizations, from small to mid-sized businesses to Fortune 500 public companies.

01

Sandrine Ennis

Founder | President

Sandrine Ennis is the President and Co-Founder of ExactSearch.AI, bringing 20+ years of experience in strategy, engineering, and executive search. She’s known for building leadership teams at high-growth companies across AI, healthcare, and tech. Previously, Sandrine founded and scaled Talentstream into a nationally recognized search firm, known for fast, high-impact leaders in sales, marketing, product, and executive roles. Her approach combines analytical rigor with human insight, always anchored in transparency, integrity, and results.

01

Steve Ankney

Founder | COO

Steve Ankney is the Co-Founder and COO of ExactSearch.AI, where he blends deep technical expertise with a passion for reinventing executive search. While at Robert Half, Steve served as the Senior Vice President of Search Execution, helping the firm scale and earn national recognition. With over 15 years of experience and his knowledge of modernizing search workflows with AI and automation, he’s led hundreds of successful executive searches across industries. Based in Madison, Steve brings a systems-thinking approach that delivers faster, smarter results for clients nationwide.

ExactSearch was founded on a simple but powerful idea: executive search should be affordable, faster, and smarter.

We’ve reimagined executive search by combining AI automation with deep human expertise to deliver not just top candidates, but the right leaders who will drive lasting success and transformation.

Our team brings decades of experience from leading retained search firms, placing transformative executives across industries, from Fortune 500 companies to high-growth startups. We specialize in leadership transitions and scaling businesses by delivering executive talent with the speed, precision, and affordability today’s market demands.


Having seen the inefficiencies of legacy search firsthand, we built ExactSearch to focus on quality over quantity, leveraging the latest AI technology alongside market intelligence and rigorous assessment frameworks. That includes our proprietary AI-LQ™ (AI Leadership Quotient™), designed to identify leaders fluent in AI and ready to lead in an evolving digital landscape.

By blending human insight with innovative technology, we deliver greater value, faster results, and smarter hires for our clients.

Start Your ExactSearch Here

An expert from ExactSearch will connect with you to dive into your hiring needs and find the perfect fit for your open leadership roles.

Privacy Policy

Effective Date: Jan 1 2025

ExactSearch values your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and safeguard your data when you visit our website www.exactsearch.ai and engage with our services.

  1. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

  • Personal Information: Name, email address, phone number, company name, job title, and any other details you provide through contact forms or inquiries.
  • Usage Data: IP address, browser type, device information, and website interactions (collected via cookies or analytics tools).
  • Client & Candidate Data: If you engage with our executive search services, we may collect additional professional details to facilitate recruitment processes.
  1. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

  • Provide and improve our executive search services.
  • Respond to inquiries and communicate with you.
  • Conduct competitive pricing and market analysis.
  • Improve website functionality and user experience.
  • Comply with legal obligations.
  1. Sharing of Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your data in the following cases:

  • With Clients: If you are a candidate, we may share relevant professional details with potential employers.
  • With Service Providers: Third-party vendors assisting with website hosting, analytics, or marketing.
  • Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights.
  1. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your personal information. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

  1. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

We do not use cookies and similar tracking technologies.

  1. Your Rights & Choices

Depending on your location, you may have the right to:

  • Access, update, or delete your personal data.
  • Opt out of marketing communications.
  • Restrict or object to certain data processing activities.

To exercise your rights, contact us at [Insert Contact Email].

7. Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party sites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices and encourage you to review their policies.

  1. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date.

  1. Contact Us

For any questions regarding this Privacy Policy please contact info@exactsearch.ai

Terms and Conditions

Effective Date: January 1, 2025

Welcome to ExactSearch. These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of our website www.exactsearch.ai (the “Site”) and any services offered through the Site (the “Services”). By accessing or using our Site and Services, you agree to comply with and be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use the Site or Services.

  1. Use of the Website

You agree to use the Site only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms. You may not use the Site:

  • In any way that violates any applicable local, state, or international law or regulation.
  • To transmit any harmful, unlawful, or otherwise objectionable content.
  • For any purpose that could damage, disable, overburden, or impair the Site or interfere with any other user’s use of the Site.
  1. Contact

To access our contact page on our Site, you may be required to input your information. You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during the process.

  1. Intellectual Property Rights

The content on the Site, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, images, videos, and software, is the property of ExactSeach or its licensors and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or otherwise use any of the content without our prior written consent.

  1. Services

We provide executive recruiting services (“Services”) via the Site. You acknowledge and agree that:

  • The Services are provided “as is” and without warranties of any kind, either express or implied.
  • We do not guarantee the availability of any particular candidate, service, or feature.
  • Our responsibility is limited to the provision of the Services as described on the Site.
  1. Payment Terms

If applicable, you agree to pay all fees associated with the Services you use. Payments are due as specified in the applicable Service agreement or invoice. If payments are not made in accordance with these terms, we reserve the right to suspend or terminate your access to the Services.

  1. Privacy Policy

Your use of the Site and Services is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which can be found on this Site. By using the Site, you consent to the collection and use of your information as outlined in the Privacy Policy.

  1. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, ExactSearch shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, or any loss of profits, revenue, data, or business opportunities arising out of or in connection with the use or inability to use the Site or Services, even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages.

  1. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless ExactSearch and its officers, directors, employees, and agents from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, and expenses (including attorney’s fees) arising from your violation of these Terms or your use of the Site or Services.

  1. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to update, modify, or revise these Terms at any time. Any changes will be effective immediately upon posting on the Site. Your continued use of the Site after the posting of any changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated Terms.

  1. Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your access to the Site and Services at our sole discretion, without notice, for any reason, including but not limited to violation of these Terms.

  1. Dispute Resolution

Any dispute or claim arising out of or relating to these Terms or your use of the Site will be resolved through binding arbitration in Miami, FL, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association (AAA).

  1. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida without regard to its conflict of law principles.

  1. Miscellaneous
  • If any provision of these Terms is found to be unlawful, void, or unenforceable, that provision will be severed from these Terms and will not affect the validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions.
  • These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and ExactSearch regarding your use of the Site and Services.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about these Terms and Conditions, please contact us at info@exactsearch.ai