Family Business Executive Search

Family-owned and founder-led businesses are unique.

They combine entrepreneurial spirit, long-term thinking, and deeply held values with ambitions for growth and  succession for future generations. Leadership decisions within these organisations often have significance far beyond commercial performance.

Professionals collaborating in a creative workspace, representing family business leadership, succession planning and sustainable growth across generations. Livingston James provides family business executive search services to founder-led and family-owned organisations across Scotland and the UK.

At Livingston James, we understand the distinct dynamics of family businesses and the importance of finding leaders who can balance commercial objectives with cultural alignment.

We work closely with family-owned and founder-led organisations to identify executive and senior leadership talent capable of supporting growth, strengthening governance and delivering lasting value.

Our executive search process focuses on identifying individuals who combine commercial excellence with emotional intelligence, authenticity, and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments. We recognise that the most successful appointments are those that respect an organisation’s heritage while positioning it for future success.

Whether supporting succession planning, professionalisation of leadership teams, business transformation, or growth strategies, Livingston James helps family businesses secure leaders who can protect legacy while driving the next chapter of success.

Contact Our Executive Search Specialists

We’d be delighted to provide further information. Get in touch with our team to find out how we can help you.

Get in touch directly...

To find out more about our Family Business Executive Search services, please contact our family business specialist, Alistair Shaw.

Featured Assignments...

Famous for excellence.

Our dynamic team has experience advising in a wide range of industries and sectors.  We have led and developed businesses from board level, managing people and processes across countless specialisms and geographies. We can bring a unique perspective to your business needs.

Recent Case Studies...

Appointing two pivotal senior leadership roles for Albyn School

Glasgow 2026 Case study: Appointing the Executive team to deliver a new kind of games.

J.W. Filshill Case Study: Advising a Scottish headquartered wholesale business to embrace technological advancements and maintain its position as a market leader

Bute Energy Case Study: Supporting an investment backed onshore wind developer attract industry leading talent

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Group Chair

JAMIE LIVINGSTON

At Livingston James, an unwavering focus on the impact of our appointments is at the heart of everything we do.  We work in partnership with our clients and candidates to bring together leadership teams that transform organisations and careers for the better. 

Jamie Livingston

Together we achieve more.

Livingston James Group comprises two bespoke sub brands: Livingston James – our executive search and leadership advisory practice, and Rutherford Cross – our specialist finance recruitment practice. This wider group structure complements our robust search and assessment process, allowing clients to access our deep-rooted network and expertise.

Contact Our Executive Search Specialists

We’d be delighted to provide further information. Get in touch with our team to find out how we can help you.

Livingston James Partners with Inspiring Scotland to Appoint Board Trustees

Livingston James is delighted to be partnering with Inspiring Scotland to appoint Trustees to its Board as the organisation embarks on an exciting new chapter.

Since 2008, Inspiring Scotland has worked towards a Scotland where everyone, no matter where they live or the circumstances they are born into, is given the chance to enjoy a happy, healthy life free from poverty or disadvantage.

Livingston James Partners with Inspiring Scotland to Appoint Board Trustees

Livingston James is delighted to be partnering with Inspiring Scotland to appoint Trustees to its Board as the organisation embarks on an exciting new chapter.

Since 2008, Inspiring Scotland has worked towards a Scotland where everyone, no matter where they live or the circumstances they are born into, is given the chance to enjoy a happy, healthy life free from poverty or disadvantage.