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For more information on our Agriculture & AgTech services, get in touch with

...

Oliver Kiddy

Managing Director

Hundreds of 'Excellent' reviews

Agriculture & AgTech Executive Search

Helping Agriculture & AgTech companies unlock their next stage of growth

Specialisms We Cover

Advanced Breeding Ag-Machinery Agri-Business Agri-Genomics Agricultural Chemicals Agronomy BioStimulants Crop Inputs Crop Nutrition Crop Protection Farm Management Software Fertilizer Precision Agriculture Regenerative Agriculture Seeds Seeds & Traits Traits Vertical Farming / CEA

From farm to fork, agriculture underpins global society, employing around a quarter of the global workforce and supporting up to 40% of the world’s population. AgTech is transforming the industry at every stage.

With climate-change-driven weather volatility, increasing pressure on land and water resources, and a projected global population of 9.7 billion by 2050, the agricultural sector is facing unprecedented challenges. AgTech innovation is no longer optional—it is essential to improving productivity, resilience, and sustainability across the entire food system.

We work alongside forward-thinking AgTech and agricultural organisations navigating this transformation. By aligning high-calibre talent with commercial and technical objectives, we help our clients accelerate innovation, scale responsibly, and build the leadership and specialist capability required to shape the future of agriculture.

With agriculture accounting for a significant share of global land use and freshwater consumption, AgTech is playing a critical role in transforming how food is produced worldwide.

Research-led advancements such as vertical farming, AI-driven farm management, soil health intelligence, and the increasing use of robotics and drones are fundamentally reshaping the market, accelerating the transition towards more sustainable and efficient agricultural systems. That is where our expertise delivers value: insight gained through continuous engagement with industry leaders allows us to stay ahead of market developments, anticipate where talent and organizations align, and leverage our established network to execute highly targeted hiring solutions.

Whether through a deep understanding of technical language shaped by a background in chemistry and sustainability, or a strong grasp of evolving market dynamics, our commitment to delivering value to AgTech and agricultural organizations is clear. This depth of industry knowledge, combined with a highly personalized client approach, differentiates our consultative model and enables us to support businesses that are actively shaping a more sustainable future.
Download the Agriculture & AgTech Brochure

Download our brochure

Learn more about our services, approach and the sectors we operate in.

Did you know?

Hiring the wrong candidate costs more than just time—it can waste salary, training resources, and opportunities. The Department of Labour estimates a bad hire can cost up to 30% of the role’s first-year earnings.

We hire right

Organisations are often reluctant to use external recruiters due the percieved cost. Think about it like this - what financial benefit could a top candidate bring to your business unit? You could make a 100x return on your investment.

  • 97% Placement Rate 1
  • 1.78:1 CVs Sent to Interviews 2
  • Avg. 32 Day Engagement to Placement 3

1. Based on all roles engaged on by a client on an exclusive basis from Jan 4 2025 - Dec 31 2025.

2. All CVs Sent from Jan 4 2025 - Dec 31 2025.

3. From Jan 4 2025 - Dec 31 2025.

Stats

387 active opportunities
1,908 placements made across 25 sectors
262,736 companies in our CRM

"At Irving Knight, we don't just fill positions; we build lasting partnerships. Our commitment to understanding your unique needs ensures that we deliver leaders who drive success and embody your company's values. When it comes to identifying the high-performers of tomorrow, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Our bespoke approach ensures every search is personal, diverse, and tailored from the ground up — delivering an individual, unrivalled experience for both clients and candidates. "

- Joe Davey, Group CEO of Irving Knight Group

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Jonathan Ocampo

Sales Manager

Lily Newton was absolutely phenomenal! Very dedicated, transparent, and thorough through the entire process. Highly r...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Sara Benoit

Regional Account Manager, US

Irving Knight Group is a fantastic company. I was contacted by Aidan Kerr regarding a sales position opportunity in t...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Rania Metwall

Head of Sales, France

Would highly recommend working with Luca Dowdell. He helped me find the perfect job. Very professional, friendly and ...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Tonya Melton

USA

I cannot say enough good things about my experience working with Ewan Ball After being with the same company for 1...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Moacyr Pedro

Senior Manager - Brazil

First contact I received from Henry Sears was 6 month ago and since the very beginning he seems to be a very trustful...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Ashley Maclean

Systems Sales Engineer, South Carolina

Jack Purnell with Irving Knight was the best recruiter I’ve worked with - by far. He communicated clearly, was respec...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Khoa Ho

Country Manager - Vietnam

I had a great experience with Irving Knight, especially working with Lily Newton. She was incredibly supportive and r...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Eduardo Valle

Development Mgr, US

This opportunity fell on my lap at the perfect time and the overall process with Christopher was great. It was a very...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Nika Kuchaidze

Senior Continuous Improvement Chemist, US

It was a pleasure working with Joseph on transitioning to a position with a new company. Communication was prompt,...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Jon Steele

CFO, US

Grace taught an old dog some new tricks! I had been in my previous position for 30 years. I loved my job for most of...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

M Erdogan

Director Netherlands

Charlie Schofield is the real deal. I’ve worked with recruiters and search professionals throughout my career, and...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Keith Parvin

Automation Division Director

I found Joseph to be extremely professional in every way when going through a recent recruitment process, always doin...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Veronica Hagborg

Senior Director Global HR, Sweden

I have had the opportunity to co-operate with Joseph in a process and I found him very proactive in keeping me inform...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Jeff Borchardt

Director of Planning, US

Mr. Clay was a wonderful recruiter. He was communicative and helped keep me informed through the process. He also fou...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Andrew Coutts

Director Global Strategy, US

First Class Service Emma shared details of a relevant opportunity and did a great job helping to manage lengthy nego...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Guillermo Leal

Global Director of Pricing, US

I've worked with a few recruiters in the past but Oliver surprised me not only for his professionalism, excellent com...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Keith P

Director - USA

The attention to detail and follow up were amazing. The truly distinguishing part was the complete transparency &hone...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Jamie Mickey

HR - USA

We’ve had a great experience working with Garin at Irving Knight. He consistently brings forward strong, well-qualifi...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Erik Dubbeldam

BDM - Belgium

I came in contact with the Irving Knight Group by LinkedIn. After a detailed interview / conversation they brought m...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Brian Carpenter

VP Continous Improvement, US

Stewart was instrumental in helping me through this process and alleviating my concerns as I’ve been out of the workf...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Jonathan Ocampo

Sales Manager

Lily Newton was absolutely phenomenal! Very dedicated, transparent, and thorough through the entire process. Highly r...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Sara Benoit

Regional Account Manager, US

Irving Knight Group is a fantastic company. I was contacted by Aidan Kerr regarding a sales position opportunity in t...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Rania Metwall

Head of Sales, France

Would highly recommend working with Luca Dowdell. He helped me find the perfect job. Very professional, friendly and ...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Tonya Melton

USA

I cannot say enough good things about my experience working with Ewan Ball After being with the same company for 1...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Moacyr Pedro

Senior Manager - Brazil

First contact I received from Henry Sears was 6 month ago and since the very beginning he seems to be a very trustful...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Ashley Maclean

Systems Sales Engineer, South Carolina

Jack Purnell with Irving Knight was the best recruiter I’ve worked with - by far. He communicated clearly, was respec...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Khoa Ho

Country Manager - Vietnam

I had a great experience with Irving Knight, especially working with Lily Newton. She was incredibly supportive and r...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Eduardo Valle

Development Mgr, US

This opportunity fell on my lap at the perfect time and the overall process with Christopher was great. It was a very...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Nika Kuchaidze

Senior Continuous Improvement Chemist, US

It was a pleasure working with Joseph on transitioning to a position with a new company. Communication was prompt,...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Jon Steele

CFO, US

Grace taught an old dog some new tricks! I had been in my previous position for 30 years. I loved my job for most of...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

M Erdogan

Director Netherlands

Charlie Schofield is the real deal. I’ve worked with recruiters and search professionals throughout my career, and...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Keith Parvin

Automation Division Director

I found Joseph to be extremely professional in every way when going through a recent recruitment process, always doin...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Veronica Hagborg

Senior Director Global HR, Sweden

I have had the opportunity to co-operate with Joseph in a process and I found him very proactive in keeping me inform...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Jeff Borchardt

Director of Planning, US

Mr. Clay was a wonderful recruiter. He was communicative and helped keep me informed through the process. He also fou...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Andrew Coutts

Director Global Strategy, US

First Class Service Emma shared details of a relevant opportunity and did a great job helping to manage lengthy nego...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Guillermo Leal

Global Director of Pricing, US

I've worked with a few recruiters in the past but Oliver surprised me not only for his professionalism, excellent com...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Keith P

Director - USA

The attention to detail and follow up were amazing. The truly distinguishing part was the complete transparency &hone...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Jamie Mickey

HR - USA

We’ve had a great experience working with Garin at Irving Knight. He consistently brings forward strong, well-qualifi...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Erik Dubbeldam

BDM - Belgium

I came in contact with the Irving Knight Group by LinkedIn. After a detailed interview / conversation they brought m...

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Brian Carpenter

VP Continous Improvement, US

Stewart was instrumental in helping me through this process and alleviating my concerns as I’ve been out of the workf...

Up Next

Approach

Explore Our Approach

Why Us

Why Irving Knight

Trustpilot

FAQs

We’re here to make Executive Search easy to understand. Find answers to the most common questions below.

Our priority is fit, not speed. We take time to understand your background, goals, and motivations, then provide clear insight into each opportunity so you’re only considered for roles that truly align with your experience and ambitions.

We specialise in senior, specialist, and leadership appointments across the markets we serve. Our focus is on roles where experience, judgement, and cultural alignment are critical — typically mid- to senior-level management through to executive and board appointments.

You’ll gain honest market insight, access to high-quality opportunities, and clear guidance throughout the process. Our aim is simple: to help you make the right move, at the right time, with confidence.

No. Our services are completely free for candidates. We are retained by our client partners to manage their hiring processes, meaning there is never a cost to you at any stage.

Our role is to represent your interests professionally, provide guidance throughout the process, and help you assess opportunities objectively — without any financial obligation.

No — if anything, it gives you an advantage. We provide context, insight, and advocacy that ensure your experience and motivations are clearly understood from the outset. Our role is to strengthen your candidacy and guide you through a transparent, well-managed process.

We operate as a retained, partnership-led search firm rather than a transactional recruiter. That means fewer searches, deeper engagement, and a far higher level of commitment to outcomes. By combining sector specialism, market intelligence, and a disciplined search methodology, we deliver hires that are aligned not only to role requirements, but to culture, strategy, and long-term growth plans.

We don’t rely on databases or job advertising alone. Our searches are driven by proactive market mapping, targeted outreach, and insight gained from long-standing sector networks. Candidates are assessed on capability, leadership style, cultural alignment, and long-term potential — not just CV fit — ensuring a robust and well-informed shortlist.

Confidentiality is fundamental to how we operate. Every search is handled with discretion, clear communication, and controlled market engagement. As your representative in the market, we protect your brand, manage messaging carefully, and ensure sensitive information is only shared when appropriate — safeguarding both your business and your candidates throughout the process.

Our retained model is designed to deliver outcomes, not volume. Because we invest the time to fully understand the role, the business, and the wider context, we achieve a consistently high completion rate across our searches. More importantly, our focus is on long-term retention and impact, not short-term placement metrics.

While our process is designed to minimise risk, we recognise that circumstances can change. In the rare event a placement doesn’t succeed, we work closely with our client to address the situation and agree the most appropriate next steps. Our commitment is to the partnership and the outcome — not just the initial hire

Let's talk

Contact Irving Knight Group for Executive Search Enquiries