Lloyds Metals and Mining
- Project Director, DR Congo Expat
- HR Head
- VP Projects, Papua New Guinea Expat
- Infrastructure Head, Papua New Guinea Expat
- Non-Infrastructure Utilities Head
- Project Director, Gold Mines, Mysore Expat
Executive Search
Finding the Leaders Who Shape Your Future
A high-touch, consultative and strategic approach to C-suite and VP-level hiring.
C-Suiteand VP-level leadership is our core focus
Our Core Focus
Leadership Hiring Is Not Volume Recruitment
Executive talent acquisition needs a high-touch, consultative and strategic approach, very different from standard high-volume recruitment.
Winning C-suite and VP-level talent depends on deep business understanding, structured evaluation and careful engagement at every step. That is exactly how we work, and it is where we focus most.
- Research-led market mapping
- Access to passive leaders
- Structured leadership assessment
- Absolute confidentiality
Leadership Mandates
Senior Roles We Have Worked On
A selection of CXO, VP and leadership mandates across industries, in India and overseas.
Mining & Metals
6 rolesIron & Steel
18 rolesJindal SAW
- Regional Head, North
- Regional Head, West
- Plant Head, West & North
- Business Head, Stainless Steel
Lloyds Steel
- Retail Head
- Brand Head
- Business Development Head
- National Head
Lloyds Engineering Works Ltd
- VP Operations (CEO)
Lloyds Group of Companies
Family office & corporate roles- CEO, Aviation
- Aviation Head
APL Apollo Tubes
- CHRO
- Chief Risk Officer
- Procurement Head
- Project Head
- Capex Head
- EXIM Head
- CSR Head
Automotive & Auto Ancillary
19 rolesTata Motors
- All CXO-Level Roles
- CFO
- Legal Head
- Marketing Head
- Design Head
- Engineering Head
- Plant HR Head
- E-Commerce Head
- Digital Marketing Head
- Internal Audit Head
- Talent Acquisition Head
JSW Motors
- Brand Head
- Deputy CFO
- Plant HR Head
Victura Technologies
- Operations Head
- Plant Head, Forging & Machining
- Internal Audit Head
- Company Secretary Head
- Treasury Head
Infrastructure
13 rolesAdani Port and Airport
- CSR Head
- Talent Management
- Marketing Head (Port)
- Compensation & Benefits
- Government Relations
HG Infra
- All CXO-Level Roles
- CIO
- CFO
- CPO
- Business Head
- Business Development Head
- Material Head
- Project Heads
Wellness
6 rolesDr. Vaidya's
RPSG Group- CMO
- Digital Head
- D2C Head
- E-Commerce Head
- R&D Head
- Talent Acquisition Head
The Difference
Executive Search vs Standard Recruitment
Senior leadership hires shape the direction of a business. They deserve a different process.
Standard Recruitment
Xceptions Executive Search
Approach
Transactional, high volume
High-touch, consultative and strategic
Talent pool
Active job seekers
Passive leaders found through market mapping
Assessment
CV screening and a few interviews
Structured leadership and competency assessment
Confidentiality
Standard
Absolute discretion for employer and candidate
Offer stage
Fixed salary offer
Complex packages negotiated end to end
How We Win Leadership Talent
Five Core Executive Search Capabilities
The skills and methods our consultants bring to every C-suite and VP-level mandate.
Business Acumen & Industry Intelligence
We understand your strategy, numbers and market, so every leader we present fits where your business is going.
- Strategic AlignmentWe study your organisational strategy, financial metrics such as EBITDA, burn rate and ARR, and your market position, to match leadership requirements with company goals.
- Market MappingWe map competitor talent landscapes to identify proven, passive leaders who are not actively looking for a move.
- Domain MasteryWe speak the executive's language and understand the technical, operational and commercial nuances of each C-suite role, from CRO to CTO to COO.
High-Touch Relationship Management & Influence
Every conversation with a board, a CEO or a senior candidate is handled with presence, care and complete discretion.
- Consultative ApproachWe present opportunities not just as jobs, but as legacy-building growth journeys, equity opportunities or strategic turnarounds.
- Executive PresenceWe engage board members, CEOs and senior candidates with authority and confidence.
- Trust & ConfidentialityHigh-stakes, discreet searches are managed with absolute confidentiality, protecting both your employer brand and the candidate's reputation.
Advanced Behavioural & Competency Assessment
A structured, evidence-based view of how a leader thinks, decides and leads.
- Leadership Style EvaluationWe assess whether a candidate is an operational optimiser, a high-growth scaling leader or a transformational change agent.
- Competency-Based InterviewingStructured frameworks such as STAR and CAR pressure-test track records, decision-making and accountability.
- Cultural Alignment & EQWe evaluate emotional intelligence, adaptability, values alignment and how a leader performs under pressure.
Stakeholder Management & Advisory
We guide boards and founders to a clear, realistic and high-impact hiring bar.
- Hiring Bar CalibrationWe guide board members and founders away from "unicorn" expectations towards realistic, high-impact leader profiles.
- Interview Panel AlignmentWe structure executive interview rounds so each panellist assesses a distinct leadership dimension, without repeated or biased questioning.
Complex Negotiation & Offer Structuring
From compensation design to the signed offer, we help close leadership hires smoothly.
- Compensation ArchitectureWe navigate executive packages covering base pay, variable bonus, long-term incentives, stock options and ESOPs, RSUs, equity vesting and performance milestones.
- Deal ClosingWe identify what motivates each candidate early, and address concerns about relocation, equity tax implications or non-competes before the offer stage.
Executive Assessment Framework
Four Dimensions We Evaluate in Every Leader
A clear, consistent framework so you can compare leadership candidates with confidence.
Strategic Vision
Can the leader read the market, set a clear direction and deliver business and financial results?
Leadership Style
Is this an operational optimiser, a scaling leader or a transformational change agent, and is that what you need now?
Proven Track Record
Evidence of delivery, sound decisions and accountability, tested through structured competency interviews.
Culture & EQ
Values alignment, emotional intelligence and adaptability, especially under pressure.
Leadership Roles
Roles We Search For
From the boardroom to business and functional leadership.
CEO / Managing DirectorCOOCFOCTO / CIOCHROCMO / CROBusiness & Country HeadsVP & Senior VP RolesFunctional Heads
FAQ
Executive Search: Common Questions
Quick answers about how we hire C-suite and VP-level leaders.
What is executive search?
Executive search is a research-led way of hiring senior leaders. Instead of waiting for applications, we map the market, approach proven leaders, including those who are not actively looking, assess them in depth and present a short list of the best fits for the role and your culture.
Which leadership roles does Xceptions Consulting hire for?
We focus on C-suite and VP-level roles such as CEO, Managing Director, COO, CFO, CHRO, CMO, CIO and CTO, as well as business heads, plant heads, project directors and functional heads.
Which industries do you cover for leadership hiring?
Our leadership mandates cover mining and metals, iron and steel, automotive and auto ancillary, infrastructure, ports and airports, pharma, wellness, building materials, FMCG, dairy, retail, BFSI, hospitality, media and technology, among others.
Do you hire for overseas and expat leadership roles?
Yes. We have handled expat leadership mandates, including project director, VP projects and infrastructure head roles for projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Papua New Guinea.
How do you keep a leadership search confidential?
Every search is run discreetly. Role details are shared only with suitable candidates, and candidate information is shared with you only with the candidate's consent.
How do I start an executive search with Xceptions Consulting?
Call us on +91 90292 26667, email info@xceptions.co.in or send an enquiry through our contact page. We will first understand the role, your business and your culture, and then share a clear search plan.
Let's work together
Ready to meet the people who will grow your business?
Tell us about your people needs. We will take the time to understand your business and come back with a clear plan.