Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Executive Search Services in Greensboro, NC
Since 1969, Charles Aris has established itself as a leader in executive search, delivering world-class talent to mission-critical roles across diverse industries. Our functional expertise spans CEO & President placements, Engineering & Operations, Finance & Corporate Development, and Strategy & Go-to-Market leadership. With a global network through InterSearch and a focus on private equity portfolio companies, we combine decades of experience with a metrics-driven approach to ensure client success. Our team of nearly 100 professionals operates across two offices and over 10 states, offering hybrid and remote capabilities.We prioritize cultural fit, diversity, and long-term retention, evidenced by our 80% candidate retention rate over three years. Our proprietary Priority Search Process and shared-risk fee model distinguish us in the industry, while our commitment to community impact includes a $1 million pledge to charitable causes between 2020-2030. This combination of experience, innovation, and values positions us as a trusted partner for organizations seeking transformative leadership.
Services
Executive Search
Private Equity Recruitment
Global Talent Acquisition
Leadership Consulting
Portfolio Company Staffing
Details
- Year established: 1969
Highlights and features
- We maintain a 92% candidate interview rate through rigorous vetting.
- Our 80% three-year candidate retention rate ensures long-term placements.
- Global reach via InterSearch partnerships spans 44 U.S. states and six countries.
- We pioneered a shared-risk fee model prioritizing post-placement success.
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion are embedded in our recruitment strategies.
Services
Executive Search
Our executive search service identifies top-tier leaders for CEO, President, and C-suite roles. Using a 14-step Priority Search Process, we combine global reach through InterSearch partnerships with industry-specific expertise to ensure cultural and strategic alignment. Clients benefit from our 55-year track record and shared-risk fee model that prioritizes long-term placement success.
Private Equity Recruitment
We specialize in placing executives for private equity portfolio companies, having completed 494 searches from 2019-2023. Our team understands the urgency of value-creation plans, offering deep expertise in sectors like healthcare, technology, and industrial products. Clients gain access to proven leaders who drive growth and operational excellence in time-sensitive environments.
Global Talent Acquisition
Leveraging our InterSearch partnership, we provide access to top executives across 44 U.S. states and six countries. This global network ensures clients receive candidates with cross-border experience while maintaining our rigorous vetting standards. Our researchers and recruiters collaborate to identify talent in emerging markets and specialized industries.
Leadership Consulting
Beyond placements, we offer leadership consulting to align talent strategies with business objectives. Our practice leaders provide market insights, compensation benchmarking, and succession planning services. This holistic approach helps organizations build leadership pipelines that support long-term growth and adaptability in dynamic markets.
Portfolio Company Staffing
We focus on staffing needs for private equity-owned companies, having completed 1,189 searches from 2020-2024. Our team understands the unique demands of portfolio companies, delivering executives who execute value-creation strategies effectively. Clients benefit from our deep relationships with operating partners and industry-specific recruiters.
People
Chad Oakley
CEO
Chad Oakley leads Charles Aris as CEO, leveraging decades of executive search experience. He directs the firm's strategic vision while maintaining hands-on involvement in client engagements. His leadership emphasizes innovation in talent acquisition and a commitment to client success.
Mitch Oakley
Founder & Chairman
Mitch Oakley founded Charles Aris in 1969 and established its reputation for excellence in executive search. As Chairman, he continues to shape the firm's culture and long-term strategy while mentoring the next generation of recruitment professionals.
Sean Curley
Managing Director
Sean Curley serves as Managing Director of Charles Aris Transaction Services with 28 years of experience in private equity transactions. He specializes in helping clients identify acquisition opportunities and integrate newly acquired companies for sustained growth.
Kim Shapiro
Executive Director
Kim Shapiro oversees Aris Amplify, the firm's diversity and inclusion initiative launched in 2025. She focuses on expanding equitable talent pipelines and ensuring inclusive practices across all recruitment processes.
TJ Deal
Chief Growth Officer
TJ Deal transitioned from associate recruiter to Chief Growth Officer, driving Charles Aris's expansion strategy. He focuses on developing new markets and enhancing the firm's capabilities to meet evolving client needs.
Questions
What industries does Charles Aris specialize in?
We serve agriculture, technology, healthcare, industrial products, private equity, and consumer services sectors with industry-specific recruiters.
How does your executive search process work?
Our 14-step Priority Search Process combines market research, targeted outreach, and rigorous vetting to deliver candidates aligned with your organizational culture and goals.
Do you work with international clients?
Yes, through our InterSearch partnership, we provide global executive search capabilities across six countries and 44 U.S. states.
What makes your private equity recruitment different?
We focus specifically on private equity portfolio needs, having completed over 1,189 searches for PE-backed companies from 2020-2024.
How do you ensure candidate quality?
Our researchers evaluate candidates using scorecards and weekly pipeline reports, maintaining a 92% client interview rate and 80% three-year retention rate.
What is your fee structure?
We use a shared-risk model where most fees are earned post-placement, aligning our success with the candidate's long-term performance in the role.
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Reviews (4)
Andrea Fox
Jan 21, 2020
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I have worked here for 4 years and have no desire to work anywhere else. The team is supportive, creative and thoughtful. Senior leadership genuinely cares about their employees and they demonstrate that every day. Everyone in the company cares for each other, they want to see each other succeed and will go above and beyond what is necessary to make that happen. This company behaves like a family. I am excited to wake up and come to work every day! Truly!
Kerri T.
Nov 01, 2019
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Just like someone else who have mentioned before in the reviews. This company is lack of professionalism and etiquette. This is a serious warning. If you are contacted by the employees from this company, don't waste your time talking to them at all. They don't care about you. They don't care about their clients. All they care about is money. Stay away!
Bryce Kenny
Oct 01, 2017
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I worked at Charles Aris for 3 years and had a phenomenal experience overall. No company is perfect, and Charles Aris has its flaws, but it's the most entrepreneurial opportunity in corporate America that I've seen. Yes, it's cold-calling, but I found it interesting how many high-level executives were happy to take my call to hear about an opportunity. I enjoyed my interactions with countless CFO's and CEO's, and it felt like I was getting an MBA over the 3 years I worked there. If you work hard and think strategically, you will be financially rewarded. If you're just looking for a j-o-b, look
Sarah Becker
Jul 19, 2017
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I found an ideal balance of challenge and reward when I joined Charles Aris. Better yet, I found a work family that genuinely cares about each other. Best career choice I have made!!
