How to Hire an Executive Assistant in London: A Practical Guide for 2026
By Amy Ferris, Founder, Place Recruitment · 3 minute read
Appointing an Executive Assistant is one of the most personal hires a senior leader will make. The right person gives you back hours every week and represents your firm with care. The wrong one can quietly cost you time, relationships and, in a busy investment firm, opportunities.
Having partnered with private equity houses, investment managers, family offices and growing firms across Mayfair, the West End and the City, we see a clear pattern. The most successful hires come from a thoughtful brief, a competitive offer and a well-paced process. Here is how to approach each stage.
1. Begin with a considered brief
Before a job description is written, it is worth spending time with the executive the EA will support. We always recommend agreeing:
- Who the EA will support, and whose priorities lead when diaries collide.
- Where they may use their own judgement, such as declining meetings or speaking to investors on your behalf.
- What an excellent first 90 days would look like.
At Place Recruitment, every search begins with this conversation. It is often where we help clients decide whether they need an EA, a PA or, occasionally, a Chief of Staff.
2. Offer a salary that reflects the market
Experienced EAs in London's investment sector are in high demand, and an offer pitched below the market is the most common reason a search stalls.
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Role
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Indicative London base salary (2026)
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Team EA, investment or private equity firm
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£50,000 to £65,000
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EA to Managing Director or Partner
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£60,000 to £80,000
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Senior EA to CEO or Founder
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£75,000 to £95,000+
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Lead EA or Head of Executive Support
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£90,000 to £120,000+
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Temporary EA
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£24 to £30 per hour
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Discretionary bonuses are standard across private equity and hedge funds, and many roles are now four or five days in the office. We are always happy to share confidential, up-to-date benchmarking before you go to market.
3. Prepare a well-written job specification
The strongest candidates are rarely short of options. A well-written job specification, covering the salary, office days, who they will support and why the role matters, will attract far stronger candidates than a list of duties. Many of the EAs we place were not actively looking; they moved because the right role was presented to them thoughtfully.
4. Interview in two considered stages
We suggest a first meeting with HR or an EA manager to assess experience, followed by a conversation with the executive to judge chemistry and judgement. Involving the executive early makes a real difference, because the relationship is ultimately what makes the appointment succeed.
5. Include a short practical exercise
Thirty minutes spent prioritising an inbox or resolving a diary with three clashes reveals far more than another round of questions. Our guide to Executive Assistant interview questions sets out the exercises we recommend.
6. Keep the process moving
Exceptional EAs in London are often secured within two to three weeks of beginning their search. Prompt feedback and a timely offer are courteous, and they are how the best firms secure the best people.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an Executive Assistant cost in London? In 2026, experienced EAs in investment and professional-services firms typically earn £50,000 to £95,000+ base salary, plus bonus and benefits. The most senior roles can exceed £120,000.
How long does it take to hire an Executive Assistant? A well-run search usually takes three to six weeks, plus the candidate's notice period. A temporary EA can provide cover in the meantime, often within a few days.
Is it worth using a specialist EA recruitment agency? For senior, confidential or time-sensitive roles, yes. A specialist will already know the strongest candidates in the market, including those who are not applying for roles.
How Place Recruitment can help
We specialise in placing Executive Assistants, PAs and Chiefs of Staff with investment and professional-services firms across London. Every candidate we introduce has been met in person, assessed in detail and referenced with the executives they have supported.
If you are planning a hire, or would simply value a confidential view of the market, I would be delighted to hear from you on 020 7112 8489 or at [email protected].
