About us.

Sustainability Recruitment Experts.

Sustainability & ESG Recruitment Specialists.

Permanent recruitment and executive search for the leaders driving real environmental and social impact — across the UK, US and Europe.

Who we are

Farrell Associates is a boutique, B Corp-certified search firm placing permanent sustainability and ESG talent, from Chief Sustainability Officers and ESG directors to renewable-energy and climate specialists. We work with investors, scale-ups and established organisations across venture capital, private equity, infrastructure, clean energy, across all corporate sectors and the impact sector — connecting them with people who last. We focus on permanent hires, and support contract and interim needs on request.

What we do.

We are permanent sustainability and ESG recruitment specialists. That focus is deliberate: we know this market deeply, we know the people in it, and we place candidates who stay and succeed rather than simply fill a seat. Our 33,000+ specialist network spans the sectors shaping the transition — so whether you're an investor building an ESG function or a business hiring your first sustainability leader, we can reach the right people quickly and discreetly.

How we work

1. Understand. We start with your business, your culture and exactly what success looks like in the role — not just a job spec.

2. Search. We draw on our specialist network and targeted, discreet outreach to build a shortlist of genuinely relevant, values-aligned candidates.

3. Assess.We rigorously screen for skill, fit and staying power, so every candidate you meet is worth your time.

4. Support.We stay close through offer, onboarding and beyond — because a great placement is measured in years, not weeks.

Why Farrell Associates

B Corp certified. We meet rigorous standards for social and environmental performance — rare among search firms, and a signal of how we run our own business, not just who we place.

Specialists, not generalists.Sustainability and ESG is all we do.

A 33,000+ network across the UK, US and Europe, built over 15 years in this market.

Proven results. 97% of placements still in role after two years. Average shortlist delivered in 10 days cutting out the noise and delivering effectively.

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Meet the Team.

  • Smiling man in a blazer indoors with warm lighting

    Neil Farrell - Founder

    Neil founded Farrell Associates in 2010, convinced that the organisations driving the sustainability transition deserve a search partner who truly understands their world. Today he leads the firm's executive and permanent search across ESG, sustainability and renewable energy, advising investors and businesses on their most senior hires.

  • Woman in white blouse smiling indoors

    Becky Jenkins - Finance & Operations Director

    Becky leads finance and operations at Farrell Associates, keeping the business running smoothly so the search team can focus on clients and candidates. She oversees the firm's B Corp reporting and operational standards, ensuring Farrell delivers on its commitments to clients and to its own values.

Venture Capital.Private Equity.Private Debt.Investment Management.Clean Energy.Infrastructure.Foundations.NGOs.Climate Tech.Accelerators.

Venture Capital.Private Equity.Private Debt.Investment Management.Clean Energy.Infrastructure.Foundations.NGOs.Climate Tech.Accelerators.

  • “A real partner in my hiring processes. I found the entire team professional and knowledgeable. The result: hiring an excellent and diverse group of bright, enthusiastic, and thoughtful talent which contributed to differentiated and professional teams.”

    CEO

  • “Neil is the best headhunter in the industry. He has helped us with searches in the past, and is very well connected ”

    Global Head of Asset Stewardship

  • “Brilliant team, and truly a service that stands out with its bespoke approach to both employee and employer—far beyond traditional recruitment! The process was professional, smooth, and genuinely enjoyable from start to finish.”

    Net zero & sustainability lead

  • ''Just want to say thank you again for your fantastic advice, it gave me the confidence boost I was in need of and I feel like I had the right headspace for the exam after our discussion. Really appreciate your generosity!!''

    Candidate

  • “Neil is hard working, professional and approaches his work with complete integrity. Neil found me a role I love, tailored to my strengths and ensured the whole process was as transparent and efficient as possible. He was a genuine pleasure to work with and has followed up rigorously and in an informative manner.”

    Group head of Sustainability

  • “The most valuable piece was the briefing about the company’s culture and values. It really helped me to understand the firm I was applying to better.”

    Human rights and ESG Associate Director

  • “Your team nailed the entire recruitment process, despite the unforeseen minor delays form the employer's side.”

    Sustainability lead

  • ''Thanks so much for organising this webinar - very very insightful!'' ''Thank you so much for providing this forum and sharing your insights. Very much appreciated!'' ''Neil and Stephanie thank you for holding this. It has been very useful. Good luck to everyone.'' ''It was a pleasure meeting you during today's Q&A session. I really appreciated your insights and answers.

    Sustainability Recruitment Webinar Feedback