Jill De Forest
Jill De Forest is a highly accomplished executive search leader with more than 40 years of experience in recruiting and talent placement, including over three decades as the founder and president of De Forest Search. Her career began in real estate in the late 1970s, but shifting economic conditions—particularly rising interest rates—led her to transition into executive search, where she quickly found her passion. Excelling early on, she became the top producer within her organization before launching her own firm just two years later. Since then, she has built a respected boutique search business known for its personalized, relationship-driven approach.
Specializing in consumer products, Jill has developed deep expertise across industries including toys, entertainment, gaming, and health and beauty. She has successfully placed talent at all levels, from mid-management to the C-suite, and is widely recognized for her ability to understand both client needs and candidate potential. One of her most notable accomplishments includes placing a CFO at Mattel after two retained firms had been unsuccessful—a placement that remained with the company for over a decade. Today, De Forest Search operates as part of the TalentoHC network, expanding its global reach while maintaining the tailored service and independence that have defined Jill’s career.
Jill’s success is rooted in her unwavering commitment to relationships, integrity, and proactive communication. She is known for anticipating client needs, providing insights ahead of time, and maintaining long-term partnerships built on trust and fairness. A lifelong learner, she further strengthened her business expertise by completing Harvard Business School’s Owner/President Management Program. With a passion for mentoring and helping others succeed, Jill continues to make a lasting impact in the executive search industry by connecting exceptional talent with leading organizations worldwide.
• Harvard Business School Owner MBA Program
• Real Estate School (late 1970s)
• UCLA Extension Courses (Finance and other subjects)
• Harvard Business School, Owner's Executive Program
• Top 3 Search Firms at Sanford Rose Associates for 20 years
• The Toy Association
• Association of Media and Entertainment
• LIMA (Licensing and Merchandising Association)
• Local city volunteer work
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to hard work, a genuine love for what I do, and a deep commitment to people and relationships. I’ve always believed that integrity and follow-through are non-negotiable—doing what you say you will do builds trust, and trust is the foundation of this business. Over the years, consistently showing up for my clients and candidates with honesty and care has made all the difference.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I’ve found that I tend to give more advice than I receive, but the guidance I’ve always lived by is simple and effective: show up, be concise, and be the best you can be. Those principles sound straightforward, but when applied consistently, they create a strong professional reputation and open doors over time.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I believe in giving hands-on, practical guidance rather than one-size-fits-all advice. I spend time mentoring and preparing women to present themselves confidently, communicate effectively, and understand how to navigate relationships in this industry. Success here comes from preparation, professionalism, and the ability to connect authentically with people.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
There are several challenges shaping the industry right now, including transitioning teams back into office environments, navigating candidate relocation following the pandemic, and managing the impact of tariffs and shifting costs within consumer products. At the same time, the rise of AI is both a challenge and an opportunity—it’s changing how roles are defined and how we approach talent, which requires adaptability and forward-thinking strategies.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me are integrity, strong relationships, fairness, and accountability. I believe in treating everyone with respect and doing what I say I will do. Those principles have guided both my professional success and my personal life, and they remain at the core of everything I do.
Locations
De Forest Search ( powered by TalentoHC )
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254