Executive Search · Established 1979
The art of finding extraordinary leaders.
We do not post jobs. We go directly to the leaders who are already excelling — and bring them to you. Boutique by design, discreet by obligation, for 47 years.
- Years since 1979
- 47
- Searches completed
- 2,000+
- Executives in our register
- 250,000
Established 1979
Welcome to T.A. Davis & Associates
A boutique partner with deep relationships and high-touch service.
We are a boutique executive search firm dedicated to uncovering the leaders who transform organizations. Our approach is highly targeted: we do not post jobs or rely on traditional applicant pools.
Instead we go directly to the talent — the proven performers, the innovators, the leaders already making an impact — and we bring them to you.
Five people. One office in Lake Forest, Illinois. Every search run by a principal.
Who We Are
We are a boutique executive search firm known for precision, discretion, and the ability to attract talent that isn’t actively looking. Our clients range from emerging organizations to established global brands — but what they all value is our dedication, our insight, and our commitment to delivering the right leader every time.
Our Mission
To elevate our clients’ organizations by securing leadership talent that creates lasting value and drives exceptional business performance.
Our Approach
- 01We take the time to understand your culture, challenges, and long-term strategy.
- 02We conduct research-driven outreach into the passive talent market.
- 03We identify leaders excelling in their current roles — and attract them to yours.
- 04We vet deeply, so only the most aligned and capable candidates reach your desk.
Industries We Know Well
Industry fluency is what lets us reach passive candidates credibly — we know the operators, the titles, and the résumés that only look impressive.
Hospitality
Hotels, resorts, restaurant groups and private clubs — leaders who own the guest experience.
General Manager · VP Operations · Corporate Director
View practice
Private Equity
Sponsors and portfolio companies where the leadership hire is the value-creation lever.
Portfolio CEO · CFO · Operating Partner
View practice
Real Estate
Commercial, residential and mixed-use owners across development, asset and property operations.
SVP Development · Asset Management Director · VP Property Ops
View practiceMandates we take
What We Do
01
Executive & Leadership Search
Director level through C-suite, across ten industries and every functional line.
02
Corporate Talent Acquisition
The critical professional and management roles that quietly decide business performance.
03
Proactive Talent Identification
Market mapping before there is a requisition — so the shortlist exists before the seat opens.
Our Promise
High-touch partnership. Deep research. Rigorous vetting. Only the right talent, never wasted time.
Quality over quantity
We present only the most qualified, thoroughly evaluated candidates. No stacks of résumés, no guesswork, no wasted hours.
Results that strengthen your bottom line
Every leader we deliver is selected to influence growth, strengthen culture, and drive measurable outcomes.
What Do People Say About Us
Attributed by title and organization type only. Client confidentiality is the product; we never name names.
Janece successfully assisted us in recruiting three senior consultants to expand our healthcare consulting team. I often refer to these searches as finding the needle in the haystack. Her communication was excellent, checking in every week. I would have no hesitation in highly recommending her.
The feedback from our portfolio companies on their experience with T.A. Davis has been nothing but outstanding — and this covers 25 to 30 searches.
T.A. Davis has worked with us and our hotels on several key positions. They consistently sourced great candidates and were patient with our ever-changing needs. Their ability to find the needle in a haystack was uncanny, even when we were well into the hiring process.
I measure executive search by the quality of candidates identified and presented. On multiple searches T.A. Davis has delivered a world-class candidate pool, which every time resulted in a great addition to our executive team.
The most reliable and productive search firm we have ever experienced. You cannot go wrong with T.A. Davis.
T.A. Davis demonstrated the value a true search partner can provide. The candidate pool we have seen is nothing short of fantastic.
This was my first experience partnering with a boutique search firm, and I must say I was impressed with the focus, the detail and the time to conclusion that T.A. Davis exhibited.
Thanks for the great results. T.A. Davis promised — and delivered. It was a pleasure working with them.
I appreciate how supportive and responsive you were — it made the whole process a lot easier. I don’t normally respond to LinkedIn messages, but I’m glad I did this time.
For Employers
Start a confidential search
Five questions about the role, the reporting line, and the timeline. A principal responds within one business day.
Begin a search briefFor Executives
Join the confidential register
Not a job board and not an applicant pool. A private file, reviewed by a principal, contacted only when a mandate fits.
Register privately