Legacy Executive Search

Executive Search & Leadership Consulting in Atlanta

Legacy Executive Search is a premier executive search firm headquartered in Atlanta, serving as a strategic partner to organizations across North America. Built on a foundation of over 50 years of combined industry experience, we go beyond traditional recruitment to identify and secure transformational leaders.

Our founding partners—Charlie Wilgus, Erik Kessinger, and Jason Hudson—established the firm in 2023 with a shared vision: that the talent at the top of an organization does not just fill a role; it sets the culture, defines the brand, and ultimately secures your company's legacy.

As the exclusive representative of IIC Partners in Atlanta, we combine our deep-rooted local expertise with the reach of a global organization. This partnership provides our clients with seamless access to international talent pools and specialized market intelligence across more than 40 offices worldwide.

Our Services

We pride ourselves on providing comprehensive, white-glove services that prioritize high-touch consultation over transactional placement.

• Executive Search: We lead retained searches for VP, SVP, President, and C-suite leaders, specializing in identifying high-impact talent for high-stakes roles.
• Leadership Advisory: We offer tailored advisory services designed to meet the unique requirements of each client, helping organizations to assess leadership teams and create talent strategies aligned to business goals.
• Onboarding & Transition Support: Our commitment extends past the hire; we provide ongoing support to ensure successful integration for new executives.

Industry Expertise

While our specialized team works across a broad spectrum of sectors, Legacy Executive Search is recognized for its distinguished expertise in several core fields:

• Industrial & Manufacturing: We have a deep history in distribution, plant operations, and industrial manufacturing, working with family-owned businesses and private equity firms to scale portfolio companies.
• Financial Services & Private Equity: We place senior leaders across the full spectrum of financial services organizations and partner with private equity firms to scale their portfolio companies.
• Legal & Corporate Governance: We partner with law firms and corporate legal departments to build high-performing in-house teams, recruiting for roles from General Counsel to specialized associate positions.
• Technology: We specialize in recruiting senior technology leaders for high-growth SaaS companies, global enterprises, and organizations undergoing AI and digital transformation.
• Supply Chain & Operations: Our partners have a long-standing track record in sourcing leaders who can optimize logistics and transform bottom-line performance.

Our Approach

Bringing a new executive on board is a meticulous process that must be rooted in trust and authenticity. At Legacy, we begin every engagement by developing a thorough understanding of your company's culture, business objectives, and specific leadership needs.

• Partner-Led: Our process is partner-led at all stages, ensuring that every search is grounded in integrity and a relentless work ethic.
• Global Reach: We leverage an expansive global network and deep sector insights to identify passive candidates—exceptional leaders who are not actively seeking a change but are the "perfect fit" to drive your organization forward.
• Transparency: We build long-term relationships grounded in total transparency, enabling us to act as true ambassadors for our clients' brands.

Market Insights in Atlanta, Georgia

The Atlanta business landscape in 2026 is defined by its resilience and a strategic pivot toward technology-integrated industries.

1. The "Battery Belt" Expansion: Georgia has cemented its status as a premier hub for the electric vehicle supply chain, attracting over $27.3 billion in e-mobility investments since 2018. This rapid industrial scaling is driving urgent demand for "hybrid" manufacturing leaders—executives who combine traditional plant operations expertise with the technical acumen required for high-voltage battery and EV production.
2. The AI and Data Center Boom: Georgia has recently emerged as one of the nation's most active markets for data centers. This surge is driving a projected 20-34% growth in specialized IT roles, such as Data Scientists and Information Security Analysts, through 2034 (IDR, Inc., 2026).
3. Manufacturing and Infrastructure Investment: Georgia continues to see record-breaking investment, with $26.3 billion in new commitments over the past year. This includes significant expansions in manufacturing and healthcare logistics, which are fueling demand for operational leaders capable of managing complex supply chains.