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ExactSearch.AI Launches to Transform Executive Search with Transparent Pricing and AI-Driven Precision

via Business Wire

ExactSearch.AI today launched a new model for retained executive search—finding exceptional talent with faster results, partner-led service, and fees at half the cost of traditional retained search firms.

Founded by executive search veterans, ExactSearch.AI aims to fix what hasn’t changed in the industry’s 75-year history: 30–35% fees, multi-month timelines, and outdated processes. With a 17% total fee, the firm offers a low-risk, high-impact alternative to the legacy model.

“Organizations are tired of paying high fees to find great leaders—and waiting months to get them,” said Mike Caggiano, CEO and co-founder. “We built ExactSearch.AI to cut the red tape, not the quality. Our clients work directly with experienced partners, while our AI-powered workflow makes every step of the process faster, smarter, and more precise.”

Rebuilding Search for Today’s Market

ExactSearch.AI automates administrative tasks like sourcing, scheduling, and reporting—freeing up partners to focus on evaluating and delivering top executive talent. The firm’s proprietary AI Leadership Quotient™ (AI-LQ) helps clients identify candidates prepared to lead in an AI-enabled economy.

Led by Industry Veterans

The ExactSearch.AI leadership team includes:

  • Mike Caggiano, CEO & Co-Founder, a 25-year executive search veteran who co-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. As CEO of ExactSearch.AI, Mike drives the firm’s growth strategy and leads client partnerships across every stage of the search.
  • Sandrine Ennis, President & Co-Founder, a seasoned recruiting leader with two decades of experience guiding C-suite searches across high-growth industries. She previously founded the woman-owned firm Talentstream and brings deep expertise in executive talent strategy.
  • Steve Ankney, COO & Co-Founder, a systems architect and recruiting operations expert with a background in optimizing large-scale search infrastructure. He previously led technology and process innovation for executive search at Robert Half.

About ExactSearch.AI

ExactSearch.AI is a next-generation executive search firm delivering exceptional executive talent with speed, precision, and transparency. Led by veterans from the world’s top search firms, ExactSearch.AI combines AI-driven sourcing with partner-led execution at half the cost of traditional search firms. The firm’s proprietary AI Leadership Quotient™ (AI-LQ) evaluates candidates for both performance and future-readiness in an AI-enabled world. Learn more at ExactSearch.AI.

“We built ExactSearch.AI to cut the red tape, not the quality—our model delivers exceptional talent faster and at half the cost.”

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