EXECUTIVE
RECRUITMENT

Executive Search, Cyprus

The success of any organization hinges on its leadership. Finding an inspirational leader with a deep understanding of both their own company’s offerings and those of their competitors is essential. These professionals, especially at the C-suite level, are often passive candidates—not actively seeking new opportunities. Identifying and engaging with such talent requires a well-established network and deep market insight.

At Emerald Zebra, our executive search and headhunting services are tailored to meet these challenges. Led by our founder, Donna Stephenson, a British professional who has been living in Cyprus since 2003, we bring over 24 years of extensive experience in executive recruitment. Donna has successfully built and led several recruitment and outsourcing businesses in Cyprus and Malta, including Emerald Zebra (founded in 2021), GRS Recruitment (Co-Founder 2004-2018), Fairfax Yeaman, and FX Careers, achieving successful exits through share sales.

Donna’s leadership at Emerald Zebra is complemented by a multilingual team in Cyprus, fluent in English, Greek, Arabic, and French. Her vast network, which spans Cyprus and beyond, is especially strong in sourcing top-level talent for CySEC-regulated firms, EMIs, and other high-stakes industries.

Beyond recruitment, Donna has also played an active role in advising boards, contributing to educational development groups, and serving voluntarily with organizations such as the Cyprus Investment Funds Association (CIFA) and the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investments (CISI).

Whether you’re looking to secure an Executive Director, NED, CEO, CFO, or a Head of Department, Emerald Zebra provides the connections and insights necessary to place the right leader at the helm of your organisation.

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs

What is executive recruitment?

Executive recruitment involves identifying, attracting, and hiring senior-level professionals, such as CEOs, CFOs, and other C-suite executives, to lead organisations. This specialised process requires in-depth industry knowledge to match high-caliber candidates with the strategic needs of the company, ensuring effective leadership and organisational success.

How does Emerald Zebra approach executive recruitment in Cyprus?

Emerald Zebra offers a bespoke executive search service led by Donna Stephenson. With over 24 years of experience and a robust network in Cyprus and beyond, we are highly adept at identifying and attracting top-tier talent for executive positions.

Our approach combines extensive industry knowledge with a tailored strategy of outreach, attraction and utilisation of our talent pools and networks (built over many years), as well as thorough screening to ensure a perfect match for your company’s needs in the Cyprus market. Our service is swift, smart and delivers in a short time span.

Beyond Cyprus, if you need an executive for your entities elsewhere in the world, try us!

What industries does Emerald Zebra specialise in for executive recruitment?

We specialise in executive recruitment across key sectors such as fintech, tech, finance, and iGaming. Our expertise is particularly strong in regulated industries such as CySEC regulated Investment Firms (CIF’s), EMI’s and emerging fintech startups in Cyprus, helping to build high-performing teams to address unique market challenges and drive success.

How does Emerald Zebra's international experience benefit executive recruitment in Cyprus?

Donna Stephenson, our founder, brings extensive international experience and has successfully built and led recruitment and outsourcing businesses in Cyprus, Malta and the UK. Her leadership of a multilingual team fluent in English, Greek, Arabic, and French enhances our ability to find top talent globally and tailor our recruitment strategies to meet specific needs within Cyprus and internationally.

What types of executive roles can Emerald Zebra help with?

Emerald Zebra assists with recruiting a broad range of executive roles, including Executive Directors, NED’s, CEOs, CFOs, Heads of Departments, and other senior leadership positions.

Our services are designed to match top talent with roles that align with their skills, experience, and your company’s culture and strategic goals.

What sets Emerald Zebra apart from other recruitment agencies in Cyprus?

Emerald Zebra is distinguished by our personalised, hands-on approach and vast networks built over two decades. With a proven track record of building teams and a continued presence at a variety of industry conferences as attendees, exhibitors and speakers, plus our own HR PowerBreakfast Events, we continue to enhance our network building a community of HR, Leaders, C-Level Executives and Founders, we offer more than just recruitment services!

Our insights, extensive industry connections, and commitment to leadership best practices make us a unique choice for executive recruitment in Cyprus.

Does Emerald Zebra provide local salary information for C-level executives in Cyprus?

Yes, Emerald Zebra conducts annual data-centric salary surveys in Cyprus, offering up-to-date and relevant salary insights for C-level executives. Our extensive experience and market knowledge ensure that we not only place top talent but also understand their salary expectations, helping you make informed hiring decisions for your executive team.

Does Cyprus have job opportunities for executives?

Yes, Cyprus offers a range of job opportunities across various industries. However, the volume of executive-level opportunities is relatively low, with many such positions filled through local referrals or via intra-company transfers when executives relocate from one country office to another within the same global organisation.

Key sectors include finance, tech, fintech, maritime, gaming, real estate, and professional services. The country’s strategic location, business-friendly environment, attractive taxation, and growing economy attract both local and international companies, creating a diverse job market.

Ensure you are contacted when a relevant executive opportunity arises by forwarding your CV to Emerald Zebra. We adhere to strict confidentiality, business ethics protocols, and GDPR compliance, assuring you that your CV and personal information will not be shared with any third party without your prior consent.

How can I get started with Emerald Zebra’s executive recruitment services in Cyprus?

To start the executive search process, contact us via our form or email us directly. We will schedule an initial consultation to understand your specific needs and discuss how our bespoke executive search services can help you secure the right leadership talent for your organisation in Cyprus.