
For the global paper economy. Nearly three decades connecting mills, manufacturers, and innovators with leaders who transform them.
Our Mission
With nearly three decades of executive search and talent partner expertise, we provide tailored recruitment solutions built on focus, industry knowledge, and trust.
Our Vision
Who Are We
At Payen Search, we believe exceptional businesses are built by exceptional talent and leaders.
We are a specialist executive search and talent partner, working exclusively with organisations across the global pulp, paper and fibre-based manufacturing sectors. We partner with boards, CEOs, private equity investors and senior leadership teams to identify, attract and secure the talent that drives business performance, operational excellence and sustainable growth.
Our expertise extends far beyond traditional recruitment. We deliver tailored talent solutions across the full leadership and operational lifecycle, from confidential Board and C-suite appointments to specialist technical search, succession planning and full Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) for greenfield projects, new paper mill developments and major capital investment programmes.
Whether supporting a strategic executive hire, strengthening an existing leadership team or building an entire workforce for a new manufacturing facility, we combine industry expertise, executive search methodology and an extensive global network to deliver exceptional outcomes.
With decades of combined experience within the paper industry, we understand the challenges our clients face, from leadership succession and digital transformation to sustainability, operational efficiency and skills shortages. Our market knowledge enables us to identify talent that is often inaccessible through conventional recruitment methods.
Our relationships extend across Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Latin America, giving our clients access to a truly global talent network while maintaining the personalised service of a boutique executive search partner.

Global Reach
Trusted across the UK, Europe, Scandinavia, North America, and emerging markets. We connect leadership talent across active search corridors that span the global paper economy.
Our Sole Focus
Pulp and paper is all we do. Our deep understanding of the science, commercial dynamics, and operational challenges gives us unmatched insight into the leadership each area of the industry requires.

What We Deliver
Board-level and senior leaders who set strategy, shape culture, and drive transformation across the paper industry.
Fast, targeted recruitment for mid-to-senior professionals — combining deep market insight with rigorous assessment.
Temporary or contract hires for expansions, commissioning, and start-ups. Fast ramp-ups and turnaround hires.
A scalable, embedded partnership model that streamlines your hiring and delivers efficiency across multiple functions.
Insight into where critical talent sits worldwide, helping you benchmark competitors and prepare for future needs.
Building leadership continuity by aligning internal pipelines with external talent strategies.
Delivering leaders who improve efficiency, sustainability, and innovation across mills, plants, and operations.
Market intelligence, benchmarking, and strategic guidance tailored to pulp, paper, packaging, and tissue.
Full workforce build-out for greenfield sites, new paper mill developments, and major capital investment programmes — from leadership to operational teams.
Talent strategies supporting investment activity, M&A integration, and business transformation — ensuring the leadership needed to drive value creation.
Our Process
A professional retained search assignment follows a rigorous, structured methodology. Each engagement is tailored, but the framework below outlines what a typical assignment includes.

2026 Global Paper Industry
Explore compensation ranges across the global paper, packaging, and tissue industry. Select a role and region to see real market data from our 2026 benchmark report.
Get Started
Whether you need a single transformative hire or a full-scale recruitment partnership, start the conversation here.