Parkford & Associates

Parkford & Associates is a specialized executive search firm located in Santa Monica that has been exclusively serving the automotive and motorsports industry since 2005. With over 200 successful assignments to their credit and more than 20 years of experience in and around automotive OEMs, they focus on mid-level to C-suite placements across the automotive sector.

Parkford & Associates operates as a boutique executive search firm with an exclusive focus on the automotive and motorsports industry. Since their formation in 2007, they have built a comprehensive practice serving OEMs, distributors, dealer groups, vendors, agencies, and SAAS companies within the automotive ecosystem. Their sweet spot lies in mid-level to C-suite executive placements, having successfully completed searches for positions ranging from CEO and COO to VP, Director, Senior Manager, and specialized heads of departments.

The firm offers a unique dual approach to executive search, providing both retained and contingent search services tailored to client needs. Their retained search process operates on a fast-track timeline of 6-10 weeks with a fixed fee structure, including full candidate research sharing with shortlisted profiles. For more immediate needs, their contingent search service delivers results within 2-6 weeks, providing full disclosure resumes with detailed notes on each candidate.

With a database of over 10,000 professionals and deep industry expertise spanning over two decades, Parkford & Associates leverages best practices in executive search methodology. They maintain a straightforward approach to client engagement with simple contract structures that work effectively for both parties. The firm's extensive experience includes successful placements across all functional areas including PR, Marketing, Sales, Parts, Service, and HR leadership roles.

Their practice is built on the foundation of exclusive automotive industry focus, allowing them to develop deep sector knowledge and extensive networks within this specialized market. This concentrated expertise enables them to understand the unique challenges and requirements of automotive industry roles, from traditional OEM positions to emerging SAAS and technology-focused automotive companies.