Executive Search for the People Behind the People.
At Buffkin / Baker, we help CEOs, boards, and CHROs find top People and HR leaders who drive enterprise-level change. Our expertise lies in understanding how culture, capability and business strategy connect. With access to one of the most extensive global networks of HR and People executives, we identify leaders who spark innovation, build resilient teams, and foster thriving workplaces.
Trusted by CHROs and People Teams across Healthcare, Higher Ed, Consumer, and Private Equity.
Redefining HR Leadership
With hybrid work, evolving talent expectations, a rapidly shifting technical landscape, and rising demands for high-performance, HR leadership has never been more critical, or more complex.
At Buffkin / Baker, we help organizations secure CHROs and People executives who bring both strategic foresight and operational rigor. Leaders who turn workforce challenges into competitive advantage.
We specialize in addressing:
- Executive-level vacancies in HR and People leadership
- Culture misalignment or persistent leadership turnover
- Gaps in succession planning for key HR and People roles
- Increasing pressure to foster inclusive, engaged, and high-performing workplaces
When the right HR leadership is in place, everything changes.
Engagement grows, culture stabilizes, and business performance improves.
The Search Partner of Choice for HR and People Leaders
Partner-Led. People-Focused. Proven Results.
At Buffkin / Baker, every search is led by a partner with deep expertise in hu man resources and organizational leadership. We take the time to understand your business strategy, cultural dynamics, and leadership needs. This approach ensures every placement is aligned with your organization’s mission, values, and long-term goals, ensuring seamless transitions and ongoing organizational success.
What sets us apart:
- Partner-led execution from strategy to successful placement
- Deep specialization across CHRO, People, and HR executive roles, from Talent to Total Rewards
- Expansive evaluation of leadership impact and cultural alignment
- 99% search completion rate and 92% executive retention at the three-year mark
Buffkin / Baker Thought Leadership
Tom Wilson, Partner at Buffkin / Baker, interviews Lee Rubin, co-founder and CEO of Confetti, about effective strategies for team engagement. In this interview, Tom and Lee discussed actionable strategies for improving team engagement in today’s work environment where people can be remote, in-office, or hybrid, offering insights valuable to HR professionals and business leaders […]
...Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) now play roles that extend beyond managing, tracking, and reporting financial data. Modern CFOs can be found contributing to company strategy, driving institutional change, and implementing cutting-edge technologies to benefit the entire organization. These leaders frequently face new challenges and opportunities, which require them to stay updated on trends that will […]
...Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a cornerstone for contemporary businesses, revolutionizing operations by automating mundane tasks and delivering profound insights into workforce dynamics. By harnessing the power of AI, leaders can significantly streamline a multitude of strategic activities, optimizing both efficiency and effectiveness in managing talent. This transformative technology enables organizations to not only […]
...In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, the ability to recruit and retain top talent, as well as build transformational leadership teams, has never been more critical. A dynamic CEO is pivotal to an organization’s success, guiding the mission to deliver outstanding patient care and prioritizing the health and well-being of the communities served, including the […]
...by Jackson Ross, Partner Private equity (PE) investment in healthcare has experienced significant growth over the last decade, driven by aging populations, increasing healthcare expenditures, and ample capital availability. However, investing in founder-led healthcare companies poses unique challenges for private equity firms. These challenges stem from cultural differences, operational maturity, regulatory complexities, and the deep […]
...by Evan Wescott, Principal Executive search is often evocative of the highest decision-makers in an organization: CEOs, CFOs, Presidents, and Board Members. There’s an aspect of elitism that permeates the understanding of our work and sometimes unnecessarily pigeonholes client expectations of our capabilities. Over the past four years, we’ve seen a consistent representation of “director-level” […]
...Our Process: Strategic. Transparent. Built for Impact.
Discovery & Alignment
We begin with an in-depth consultation to understand your organizational culture, leadership dynamics, and business objectives, establishing the criteria for a successful hire.
Candidate Engagement & Evaluation
We engage top-tier candidates through a high-touch, transparent process combining rigorous evaluation with clear communication to ensure alignment on both sides.
Research & Targeting
Leveraging our experience and extensive network, we identify executive-caliber HR and People leaders with the experience, insight, and cultural fit to thrive in your environment.
Candidate Engagement & Evaluation
We engage top-tier candidates through a high-touch, transparent process combining rigorous evaluation with clear communication to ensure alignment on both sides.
We don’t just fill roles.
We build leadership capacity that lasts.
Our Results Speak for Themselves
99%
Search Completion Rate
92%
Retention Rate (after 3 years)
100%
Repeat Clients across industries
Ready to Elevate Your HR Leadership?
From CHRO to Total Rewards, we help organizations secure the HR and People executives who drive culture, performance, and growth. Every search is partner-led, insight-driven, and tailored to your unique needs.
Let’s start with a conversation. We’ll listen, learn, and explore how Buffkin / Baker can support your leadership goals.
Address
Nashville, TN
10 Cadillac Drive,
Suite 190,
Brentwood, TN 37027
Locations
Atlanta, GA
Austin, TX
Boston, MA
Charlotte, NC
Chattanooga, TN
Cleveland, OH
Kansas City, MO
Los Angeles, CA
Nashville, TN
New York, NY
Seattle, WA
St. Simons Island, GA
Tampa, FL
Washington, DC
Winston-Salem, NC