Buffkin / Baker Acquires Benson Executive Search, Expanding Capabilities and Human Resources Sector Expertise
Nashville,TN and Boston, MA. – June 8, 2026
Buffkin / Baker, a leading retained executive search firm, today announced the acquisition of Benson Executive Search, a boutique firm known for its expertise in human resources retained executive search. The acquisition strengthens Buffkin / Baker’s human resources functional capabilities and gives the firm a stronger presence in the Northeast.
With three decades of experience in the Human Resources and People sector and a network of more than 20,000 executives, including leading HR professionals worldwide, Buffkin / Baker brings Benson Executive Search immediate access to a broader national network of candidates and clients, as well as the infrastructure of a full-service firm. Benson will continue to operate under its trusted name, now supported by the reach and resources of a leading national platform.
Benson Executive Search is celebrated for its expertise in placing senior Human Resources leaders across life sciences, technology, professional and financial services, manufacturing and logistics, healthcare, and industrial sectors. Clients have trusted Benson to deliver the kind of forward-thinking HR leaders who genuinely move organizations forward, because the work has always been personal, and the standard has never wavered. For both clients and candidates, this expansion means more of that, with greater reach and deeper resources behind every search.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Benson Executive Search to Buffkin / Baker,” said Craig Buffkin, Managing Partner at Buffkin / Baker. The addition of Benson Executive Search will significantly enhance our HR functional depth and expertise. “Their commitment to excellence, deep client relationships, and functional expertise align perfectly with our mission to deliver transformative leadership solutions. This acquisition represents an important step in our continued growth.”
By leveraging our combined strengths across sectors like healthcare, private equity, life sciences, technology, higher education, and consumer, we can offer an even greater value to clients seeking top talent and candidates looking for new opportunities. We’re pleased to welcome these experienced search professionals, who’ll contribute to the firm’s growing team and further elevate our service offerings.”
“We’ve spent years building a practice defined by deep expertise, genuine care for our work, and trusted relationships with both clients and candidates, and now we have the platform to take that work to an entirely new level,” said Alice Benson, CEO of Benson Executive Search. “Buffkin / Baker shares our commitment to excellence and leads with integrity, making this a natural fit for us. I’m excited about what this means for our clients, our candidates, and our team.”
For Benson Executive Search’s clients and candidates, this acquisition delivers immediate, tangible benefits: access to a wider and deeper national talent network, expanded sector specialization, and enhanced resources to support even the most complex executive search engagements, all delivered with the same personalized service and trusted relationships they’ve come to rely on.
Benson Executive Search will retain its name and identity within the Buffkin / Baker family, ensuring full continuity for existing clients while opening the door to a significantly broader universe of opportunities. This is growth without compromise: the best of a boutique practice, now amplified by a national firm’s capabilities.
About Buffkin / Baker
Buffkin / Baker is a premier retained executive search firm serving private, public, and private equity-backed companies across a range of industries. The firm is known for its rigorous search process, deep market insight, and commitment to long-term client partnerships.
About Benson Executive Search
Benson Executive Search is a boutique executive search firm specializing in the placement of senior Human Resources leaders. The firm is recognized for its tailored approach, strong client and candidate relationships, and consistent delivery of high-quality results.