Hanover Search Group Acquires Huddleston Jones, Accelerating Growth Across APAC and the Middle East
January 12, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hanover Search Group Acquires Huddleston Jones, Accelerating Growth Across APAC and the Middle East
Effective January 2026
Hanover Search Group (“Hanover”), a global executive search and talent advisory firm, today announces the acquisition of Huddleston Jones, a specialist search business with a strong presence across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. The acquisition marks a significant milestone in Hanover’s long-term global growth strategy and underscores its commitment to expansion across APAC and the Middle East.
As part of the transaction, the APAC business will be rebranded to Hanover Huddleston Jones (“HHJ”), reflecting the combination of Huddleston Jones’ deep regional expertise with Hanover’s global platform, resources, and broader talent services proposition.
The acquisition significantly strengthens Hanover’s capabilities across Asia and the Middle East, combining Huddleston Jones’ established regional relationships, market knowledge, and track record with Hanover’s international reach and integrated talent offering. Clients across both regions will benefit from enhanced access to global talent pools, expanded sector coverage, and a more comprehensive suite of executive search and advisory services.
Building on Huddleston Jones’ established presence in Dubai, Hanover has launched its Middle East entity from the DIFC as part of a strategic step to elevate client engagement, delivery capability, and long-term commitment to the region. The DIFC office will operate as a regional hub supporting financial institutions across the GCC and broader Middle East, and will be led by Danny Jones, CEO, Middle East. APAC will continue to be led by Arran Huddleston, CEO of the HHJ business focussed on Singapore & Hong Kong.
“This next phase reflects our continued investment in the Middle East and our belief in the region’s long-term growth,” said Danny Jones. “Operating from the DIFC allows us to work even closer with our clients, strengthen execution, and support financial institutions across the GCC with senior, specialist talent aligned to their strategic objectives.”
“This acquisition is a clear statement of intent,” said Paul Groarke, Group CEO for EMEA & APAC at Hanover. “Huddleston Jones brings outstanding regional expertise and credibility across APAC, and together as Hanover Huddleston Jones we are exceptionally well positioned to support clients with increasingly global and complex talent needs. Our expansion into Dubai reflects our belief in the long-term opportunity across the Middle East.”
“Since establishing Huddleston Jones in 2013, we’ve been driven by a clear purpose to build long-term partnerships grounded in trust, insight and industry depth” said Danny Jones, co-founder of Huddleston Jones. “Joining Hanover is a natural next step in that journey. We see in them a like-minded team with global perspective, shared values, and a deep respect for the craft of executive search. Together, we’ll be able to offer even greater value to our clients, deeper expertise to our markets, and meaningful new opportunities for our people across the region.”
Hanover confirmed that it will continue to actively explore future acquisition and partnership opportunities across global financial markets, focusing on regions and businesses where there are strong strategic alignment, complementary capabilities, and shared ambition.
“The acquisition of Huddleston Jones highlights Hanover’s long-term commitment to building a global business with a differentiated platform that blends local market insight with global reach, scale, and execution excellence” said James Emmett, Global CEO and founder of Hanover.
About Hanover Search Group
Hanover Search Group is a global executive search and talent advisory firm serving clients across financial services and adjacent sectors. With offices across the US, Europe, APAC, and the Middle East, Hanover partners with leading organisations to deliver senior leadership, specialist, and advisory talent solutions worldwide.
(from left to right – Arran Huddleston, James Emmett, Danny Jones)
Who Is Hanover?
Hanover is a global growth partner specialising in executive search and talent solutions. From identifying, attracting and developing exceptional leaders to building diverse teams, we help organisations achieve lasting success. With a collaborative, agile and innovative approach, Hanover supports every stage of the talent lifecycle for organisations around the world.
