Schedule a confidential conversation with Marisa Smith at marisa.smith@marvantage.com. Initial consultations typically last 30–45 minutes. The discussion focuses on understanding the organization, strategic priorities, and the executive or leadership role to be filled. Context around the search or project, desired outcomes for the role, and the anticipated timeline are explored. Marisa also outlines the MarVantage executive search approach and answers any questions before determining whether a formal engagement is the appropriate next step.

MarVantage is a boutique executive search and leadership advisory firm headquartered in Chicago. Founded by Marisa Smith, formerly of Korn Ferry, Odgers, and Bain, the firm was built on a deliberate model: intentionally selective, founder-led, and designed for the kind of long-term partnership that consequential leadership decisions require. MarVantage serves private, PE-backed, and public companies across automotive and mobility, aftermarket, industrial and advanced manufacturing, aerospace and defense, chemicals and specialty materials, and energy and industrial technology.

MarVantage provides executive search for Board, C-suite, and VP-level roles, as well as leadership advisory services including succession planning, leadership team assessment, and executive coaching and development.

Three structural differences define the MarVantage model. First, every executive search is personally led by Marisa Smith, with no handoffs to junior team members or account managers. Second, MarVantage carries zero off limits restrictions, giving clients unrestricted access to the full executive talent market. Third, a deliberately selective client model allows Marisa to remain deeply immersed in a small number of engagements at any time, producing faster shortlists, more rigorous candidate assessment, and deeper market insight than volume driven search firms. Underlying all of it are the qualities no platform or process can substitute: judgment, accountability, empathy, and trust built through consistent partnership with clients.

MarVantage is based in Chicago and serves clients throughout the United States, North America, and internationally. We have extensive cross-border experience, particularly helping European companies scale operations and build leadership teams in North America.