“Executive Search lies somewherebetween art and science.
It takes Mind and Heart.
It’s about making an impact onevery single person you meet.
It’s about creating true alliancesthat last over time”.
- Arianna DessiWe areselective
WE ARE SELECTIVE
We intentionally take on a limited number of assignments to ensure our full dedication to each one.
Specialising in Luxury, Beauty, and Fashion at the C-level, we partner with Executives who align with our values and standards of integrity.
We go beyondthe obvious
WE GO BEYOND THE OBVIOUS
We have a profound understanding of our clients' culture, vision and challenges, enabling us to stimulate new perspectives.
Our mission is to introduce exceptional candidates who go beyond expectations, and whose qualities and relevance transcend the initial brief.
We make itpersonal
WE MAKE IT PERSONAL
We cherish authentic connections founded on genuine care. With our personal touch, we cultivate relationships where transparency reigns, and where we collaborate towards mutual success.
We thinklong-term
WE THINK LONG-TERM
We create lasting alliances built on trust, striving for perennial success and leaving a positive legacy on people and organisations.
WE ARE SELECTIVE
We intentionally take on a limited number of assignments to ensure our full dedication to each one.
Specialising in Luxury, Beauty, and Fashion at the C-level, we partner with Executives who align with our values and standards of integrity.
WE GO BEYOND THE OBVIOUS
We have a profound understanding of our clients' culture, vision and challenges, enabling us to stimulate new perspectives.
Our mission is to introduce exceptional candidates who go beyond expectations, and whose qualities and relevance transcend the initial brief.
WE MAKE IT PERSONAL
We cherish authentic connections founded on genuine care. With our personal touch, we cultivate relationships where transparency reigns, and where we collaborate towards mutual success.
WE THINK LONG-TERM
We create lasting alliances built on trust, striving for perennial success and leaving a positive legacy on people and organisations.
Freedom is key. We cultivate an environment where everyone feels safe to share opinions without fear of judgment. We encourage questioning, pushing boundaries, and open, respectful dialogue.
As we dive into a new project, we're filled with gratitude, eager to give generously of our time and advice, making this an experience like no other. You can trust in our unwavering dedication and enthusiasm every step of the way, extending far beyond the hiring mission itself.
We take great care with every detail, always valuing quality over quantity. Each project is unique, so our approach is finely tuned and tailored to create a bespoke journey for each client.
Executivesearch
Executive search
We recruit international C-Suite leaders in Luxury, Fashion and Beauty, partnering with family-owned companies, listed groups, and private equity firms.
We combine global market knowledge with an intimate understanding of your organisation.
Each search is tailor-made, designed with a unique approach that reflects your culture, values, and ambitions.As a boutique firm, we are agile, personal, and by your side, your sparring partner at every step.
Discovering unexpected talent is our signature. We will find leaders who may surprise you, yet resonate deeply with your identity and purpose, bringing the spark of innovation that shapes the future
LEADERSHIPADVISORY
LEADERSHIP ADVISORY
We help leaders and Executive teams build deep self-awareness, recognise their strengths, and embrace their vulnerability. This way, they can connect with their true essence, energy and drive, and perform at their best, both individually and as a team.
Our distinctive approach goes beyond performance and skills. Each interaction is a transformative experience, helping leaders discover what makes them unique and guiding them to find balance in their leadership style — between Mind and Heart.
We also conduct Leadership Assessments for both external candidates and internal talent.
We offer Hogan Assessments with a certified coach for an even deeper exploration and opportunity to grow.
Every conversation with us is meant to generate an energy shift that makes the experience unforgettable
TRANSITIONCOACHING
TRANSITION COACHING
Our support does not end with the hire. We are fully committed to ensuring each leader succeeds in their new role. That is why, in association with certified coach Mahasti Mohammadi, we have created the Transition Coaching Programme to accompany leaders from their appointment, through onboarding, and into the crucial first year.
Throughout this journey, we walk alongside the new leader, offering guidance, coaching, and a trusted, non-judgemental sounding board as they navigate strategy, culture, and key stakeholders.
The programme consists of twelve sessions, tailored to the leader’s needs and availability. Sessions may begin up to three months prior to the start date and continue for six to twelve months after taking on the new role.
Discover more about our transition coachingExecutive search
We recruit international C-Suite leaders in Luxury, Fashion and Beauty, partnering with family-owned companies, listed groups, and private equity firms.
We combine global market knowledge with an intimate understanding of your organisation.
Each search is tailor-made, designed with a unique approach that reflects your culture, values, and ambitions.As a boutique firm, we are agile, personal, and by your side, your sparring partner at every step.
Discovering unexpected talent is our signature. We will find leaders who may surprise you, yet resonate deeply with your identity and purpose, bringing the spark of innovation that shapes the future
LEADERSHIP ADVISORY
We help leaders and Executive teams build deep self-awareness, recognise their strengths, and embrace their vulnerability. This way, they can connect with their true essence, energy and drive, and perform at their best, both individually and as a team.
Our distinctive approach goes beyond performance and skills. Each interaction is a transformative experience, helping leaders discover what makes them unique and guiding them to find balance in their leadership style — between Mind and Heart.
We also conduct Leadership Assessments for both external candidates and internal talent.
We offer Hogan Assessments with a certified coach for an even deeper exploration and opportunity to grow.
Every conversation with us is meant to generate an energy shift that makes the experience unforgettable
TRANSITION COACHING
Our support does not end with the hire. We are fully committed to ensuring each leader succeeds in their new role. That is why, in association with certified coach Mahasti Mohammadi, we have created the Transition Coaching Programme to accompany leaders from their appointment, through onboarding, and into the crucial first year.
Throughout this journey, we walk alongside the new leader, offering guidance, coaching, and a trusted, non-judgemental sounding board as they navigate strategy, culture, and key stakeholders.
The programme consists of twelve sessions, tailored to the leader’s needs and availability. Sessions may begin up to three months prior to the start date and continue for six to twelve months after taking on the new role.
Discover more about our transition coachingMy life's journey has been a blend of enriching experiences and encounters, and every stage has been fundamental in shaping who I am and how I work.
From my native city of Naples, in the South of Italy, I carry within me a joy of life and a taste for deep and warm human connections.
My academic journey in Ancient Greek Philology was transformative. Through translating unedited manuscripts and delving into philosophy, I gained a profound understanding of humanism and honed my analytical skills.
At L’Oréal in Paris, working first on product development and then on talent acquisition, I developed an innovative and creative mindset, along with the determination and courage to challenge boundaries.
At Russell Reynolds, I learnt flawless execution in Executive Search and Leadership Assessment, building an extensive global network of leaders.
In 2019, I became an entrepreneur when I founded my own boutique Executive Search and Leadership Advisory.
I serve as a sparring partner to international clients, assisting them in filling top-level management positions within the Luxury, Beauty, and Fashion industries.
Based in London, I am fluent in Italian, French and English.
As a mother of three, I love traveling, playing tennis, singing Italian songs, enjoying Mediterranean sunsets, continually learning new things, and discovering extraordinary people.
My career in Executive Search has been defined by a commitment to excellence, and a global outlook shaped by over 20 years’ experience and living on three continents (Europe, North America and Asia).
My professional journey has included pivotal roles in renowned firms such as Russell Reynolds Associates and Eric Salmon & Partners, where I have gained a deep expertise in Executive Search and Leadership Assessment and built a strong international network.
My multicultural exposure brings a unique perspective to my work, enabling me to navigate diverse environments with ease and adaptability.
In 2021, I joined Arianna Dessi Executive Search as a Consultant, sourcing and assessing rare talent for senior management positions in the Luxury, Beauty, and Fashion industries.
A graduate of Montpellier Business School (France), I speak French, English, and Spanish and I am currently based in Barcelona, Spain.
Beyond my professional pursuits, I find joy in playing competitive tennis and in exploring new countries with my husband and my 2 daughters, forging meaningful connections wherever I go.
Testimonials
From our clients
“Arianna has a unique way to interact and help you reach the core of your search. She fully enjoys being on 'people's quest', has an eye for unexpected gems, and never compromises to the obvious. Should that be through acting as the sparring partner of an organisation, or taking candidates on a journey with her, she creates unique and lasting relationships, founded in trust and powered by her authenticity."
– HRD, Richemont Group"Arianna and Severine have an exceptional ability to grasp the essence of a brief without taking it too literally. Their significant added value lies in understanding a company as it is and as it needs to evolve, enabling them to propose the right person who can integrate effectively into the company's dynamics and make a positive impact. There's creativity in their candidate selections, driven by their keen judgment and relentless focus on finding the perfect match."
– President, Chanel"Arianna has charisma, and everything she does is done with elegance. I'm glad she is the first face of our company for the talents we want to attract."
– President, Chanel“Arianna is a devoted emotionally-intelligent recruiter. She preserves the best interests and the sweet spot between the company and the recruited with skin in the game for the success of the search.”
– Managing Director, FirmenichTestimonials
From our candidates
"Arianna stands up for her candidates and ensures everything goes well for them. She is committed to making sure the candidates are happy with their choice. She doesn't move people just for the sake of moving them. She feels a responsibility."
– CMO, Luxury Brand"Arianna knows how to challenge you and push you out of your comfort zone. She is always a good advisor, intelligent, open, kind, and ambitious for her candidates."
– GM, Beauty Brand"There's something about Arianna that resonates with candidates. She knows how to create a close relationship. You feel immediately at ease with her, and you end up sharing things you wouldn't typically tell a headhunter."
– President, Luxury Brand“It has been an absolute pleasure to meet and work with Arianna and Severine. Their boutique executive search firm combines professionalism, stemming from many years of experience, with a unique blend of empathy, personalization, and meticulous attention to details. Their business acumen and selective network are definitely a plus”
– GM, Beauty Brand