Finding the Right Executive Assistant Takes More Than Experience.
Lead Search Group provides executive assistant recruitment in Toronto for CEOs, founders and senior leaders. We find experienced EAs who manage competing priorities, handle sensitive information and communicate clearly on your behalf.
The right EA understands how you work. We assess judgment, working style and the trust needed to build a strong partnership.
Let's Talk About Your EA SearchThe Right EA Looks Different for Every Executive.
The support a founder needs can differ from the support a CEO or board requires. We recruit executive assistants for the roles below, matching the level of responsibility to the demands of your business.
CEO & President Support
EAs who protect executive time, prepare for key meetings and handle sensitive communication with sound judgment and discretion.
Founder & Entrepreneur Support
EAs who bring structure to busy days, adapt as priorities change and keep tasks moving in a growing business.
Senior Executive Assistants
Experienced EAs who manage complex calendars, travel and communication while coordinating with teams, clients and other key contacts.
Executive Business Partners
Professionals who combine executive support with project coordination, track progress and help leaders follow through on business priorities.
Board & Leadership Support
EAs who organize board meetings, prepare materials, coordinate leadership schedules and manage confidential records and communication.
Confidential Executive Support
EAs for roles involving sensitive personal or business matters, where careful handling of information and a trusted working relationship are essential.
Start with the work your EA will own. We help you define the responsibilities and level of support before approaching candidates.
A Great EA on Paper Is Only Part of the Answer.
Similar experience does not always mean the same fit. We learn how the executive works, then use research, referrals and direct outreach to find EAs suited to that partnership.
Understand How the Executive Works.
Does the executive follow a set schedule or change direction throughout the day? Should the EA focus on organizing details, or also question priorities and make decisions independently?
We use those answers to define the support needed and what candidates should expect. That gives the search a clearer starting point.
Communication preferences, pace, confidentiality, decision-making authority and the responsibilities the EA will own.
Connect With EAs Who Are Not Actively Looking.
Experienced EAs may be settled in roles they enjoy. A job posting alone may not reach them or give them a reason to consider a move.
We identify relevant experience through targeted research, professional relationships and referrals. Direct conversations help us explore whether a new opportunity could suit their goals.
We explain who they would support, what the work involves and how the role differs from their current position, so they can consider it thoughtfully.
Skills for the Role. Fit for the Partnership.
Our aim is to introduce capable EAs who understand the opportunity and whose approach fits the executive they would support.
How We Assess Your Next Executive Assistant.
A strong interview needs more than a polished account of past roles. We explore examples of how candidates organize work, make decisions and handle sensitive situations, with your executive's needs in mind.
What evidence shows this EA can provide the support you need?
Manage theDetails
Can they handle the demands of the role?
We discuss calendars, travel, meetings and communication they have managed, focusing on work similar in scale and complexity to yours.
Set ClearPriorities
When do they act, and when do they ask?
We explore how candidates have handled competing requests, protected executive time and decided which issues needed immediate attention.
Adapt toYour Working Style
How do they respond when plans change?
We discuss how they communicate, organize their day and adjust to different leaders, comparing that approach with the way your executive works.
Earn YourConfidence
How have they handled sensitive responsibilities?
We look for examples of discretion, reliable follow-through and care with confidential information, alongside the responsibility they held in previous roles.
A Clearer Basis for Your Hiring Decision.
We connect each candidate's experience with the work you need done. You can consider their strengths and the areas worth exploring further in your own interviews.
Discuss YourEA Search.
Tell us who the EA will support, what they will own and when you need them. We will help you plan the search.
Discuss an EA SearchPlan YourNext Hire.
Use the playbook's research and practical questions to clarify the skills you need now and what your next hire should achieve.
Explore the 2026 Hiring PlaybookA free resource for employers hiring across Canada and the United States.
Focused Attention for Your EA Search.
Our approach to executive assistant recruitment in Toronto combines personal involvement with a focused search. You work with recruiters who understand the role, stay close to candidates and help you make informed decisions.
ExperiencedJudgment
We help you weigh candidate strengths, consider trade-offs and explore the questions that matter before making a hiring decision.
PrincipalLed
Magdalena stays involved throughout your EA search, bringing experienced guidance and a clear understanding of the executive you are hiring for.
Focused SearchCapacity
We cap our search workload so the team has time for candidate conversations, careful follow-up and changes in your hiring priorities.
TrustedRelationships
Professional relationships and referrals create introductions to experienced EAs, while direct conversations help them consider whether your role is right for them.
Relationships That Speak for Themselves.
Our reputation has been built one relationship at a time. Clients and candidates trust Lead Search Group with important hiring and career decisions, and their experiences say more about our approach than we ever could.
Jackie Sparking
Human Resources Manager
Five years ago, I was very fortunate to meet Magdalena during a period when I was exploring my own career opportunities. We established instant rapport, and she instilled confidence in me to pursue my goals.
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From the time of our initial meeting, we have developed a strong relationship (both personal and professional) and today we have a solid business partnership. Magdalena is a talented search professional who takes the time to listen and understand her client’s needs. She is methodical in her approach, and handles each situation with integrity and respect. Through dedication and hard work, Magdalena strives to deliver results with each assignment she accepts. Her commitment to her customers is commendable, and is second to none.
Leslie Proulx
Human Resources Advisor
Magdalena is more than a recruiter – she takes the time to develop a close relationship with her clients. I had the pleasure of working with Magdalena when I was looking for a new HR role.
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Living in Calgary at the time, I was eager to move back to Ontario. The idea of finding a new job across the country was daunting. Magdalena and I connected and I immediately knew that I had her full support in my job search. She took the time to understand my interests and my career goals, ultimately leading to securing a position in a few weeks. Since that first initial contact with Magdalena more than two years ago, we have maintained a close relationship, both professionally and personally.
Victoria Almeida
Human Resources Generalist
It has been an absolute pleasure working with Magdalena. It’s very clear that she has a sincere interest in her clients’ success and she works so hard to ensure that they find the perfect role.
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She is always in touch every step of the way and makes sure you are confident and comfortable before going into an interview or putting you forth for a position. I love working with her and recommend any contact who is searching for a new role to her as a recruiter but more so as an advisor and confidant. She placed me in my current role (before providing me with quite a few amazing opportunities) and its been a great opportunity for me. I look forward to working with Magdalena in the future.
Your Executive Assistant Search Questions.
Find answers about candidate assessment, confidential searches, the roles we recruit and where we search.
We clarify the executive’s priorities, communication preferences and expectations. We then explore how each candidate has worked with leaders and handled responsibilities similar to those in your role.
We use targeted research, professional relationships, referrals and direct outreach. Conversations help candidates understand the opportunity and decide whether it is worth exploring.
We assess judgment, discretion, organization, communication and adaptability. We ask for examples of handling competing priorities, working independently and knowing when to involve the executive.
Yes. We agree on who may be contacted, how outreach will be handled and what information can be shared. This helps protect sensitive replacement searches and leadership changes.
We recruit EAs supporting CEOs, presidents, founders and senior leaders, as well as senior executive assistants, executive business partners and board support professionals. Responsibilities guide the search, not just the title.
Yes. We recruit for corporate teams, professional services firms, entrepreneurial businesses and growing organizations. We consider the sector, business environment and demands of the role when identifying candidates.
Yes. We are based in Toronto and can search across Canada and the United States when your role calls for a wider candidate market.
Need Help Defining Your EA Role?
Tell us where the executive needs support and what the EA should take ownership of. We can help turn those priorities into a clear search brief.
Discuss an EA Search
More Confidence in Every Hire.
Hiring is a significant investment. Lead Search Group provides a six month replacement guarantee on qualifying permanent placements. It gives you added protection, with a commitment that continues after the hire.
Recruitment Perspective Worth Sharing.
Hear Magdalena Duleba-Lapensee discuss personalized recruitment on Leadership Human-Style. The conversation explores the human side of hiring and the people behind each search.
Personalized Recruitment with Magdalena Duleba-Lapensee
Leadership Human-Style