Cortez Talent Architects - Over 60 years of collective executive search experience.

Our company

Our comprehensive approach and methodology offered to the market.

Our Journey

Cortez Executive Search has over 60 years of collective executive search experience across industries and our employees have experience working within various local and international search companies in South Africa. Cortez continues to map and deliver senior and strategic appointment solutions, based on our ability, experience and approach to the market by sourcing the best talent at the right time.

Cortez was rated as one of the top 10 executive search companies in the country recently by the PMR Award Association. PMR Africa did a national survey of Executive Search companies and interviews were only conducted with respondents of companies that have placed candidates in top management positions.

After 12 successful years since Linda Carter founded Cortez Executive Search, we are proud to be the search practice within EOH, which boasts one of the largest human capital consultancies.

Our five business philosophies are built into everything we do

Best People

Attract, develop and retain the best people, steered by great leaders

Partner For Life

Nurture lifelong partnerships with our clients and business partners

Right First Time

Ensure professional planning and execution underpinned by pride in all we do

Sustainable Transformation

Drive transformation and celebrate diversity

Lead & Grow

Strive to be #1 in each of our domains whilst keeping the entrepreneurial edge

Some of our Credentials

An empowered partner creating local jobs

We are a South African organisation with Black ownership of 36.19%. EOH was voted the most empowered listed ICT company by Mail & Guardian. We hold a Level 2 B-BBEE status. As part of the EOH Youth Job Creation Initiative, we employ learners and interns annually (10% of our workforce). This creates new jobs and gives the interns valuable experience. Together with our clients and partners we aim to continue to create many thousands of jobs.

View our latest BEE certificate here.

An ethical and legally compliant partner

We are an HPCSA registered supplier and APSO certified provider. APSO membership certifies that we comply with ethical recruitment standards and that our dealings within the labour recruitment sector are legally compliant and that we operate according to globally aligned best practice.

Markets & Industries – both local and international

Cortez operates across industries within both local and international businesses. We have over 139 points of presence within South Africa and 19 Countries in Africa. With our Head Offices in Johannesburg and a widespread network of regional offices and points of presence across South Africa, other African countries, and the UK, we are well placed to render service where required.

Meet The Team

The key to understanding what every organisation needs, is trust. Our Team are not only sourcing resources, but trusted executive and professional leaders to both candidates and clients”

Linda Carter

Managing Director

Linda is the founder of Cortez and is widely regarded as a top talent professional and business advisor with significant experience in executive search and talent mapping, focussing on succession planning and scarce talent. Being at the forefront of the technological world, keeping up with talent and industry trend is imperative.

Desire McDonald

Head: Client Engagement Executive

Desire has more than 20 years of experience in the recruitment industry. She manages the client services team and her mandate is to grow revenue through strategic business positioning and delivering exceptional client service.

Karin Muscat

Head of Research

Throughout her time in search, Karin has worked on local and cross-border searches. From a functional perspective Karin has worked across the range of C-suite level and Non-Executive Directors/Chair roles for a number of clients across all sectors.

Ayanda Tenjani

Project Consultant

Ayanda has several years of cross-industry experience as an executive search specialist, and is a scarce skills expert. She drives the team that are engaging and enticing individuals in the market, meeting the client’s unique criteria. Ayanda and Evelyn are supported by a competent team of Project Consultants and Researchers.

Evenlyn Khanyile

Project Consultant

With many years of experience in executive search, Evelyn is a versatile and results-oriented professional consultant who specialises in recruiting for various senior and executive management roles and building strong relationships. She possesses excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate and negotiate concisely and articulately at all levels.

Tamara Mutlane

Project Consultant

With her experience in executive search combined with recruitment, Tamara is a versatile and results-oriented professional consultant who specialises in recruiting for various senior and executive management roles and building strong relationships. Her experience is in assisting organisations with appointing middle, senior and executive level including C suite appointments focusing on scarce skill.