Bernard Layton

Bernard Layton is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of KeyHires, bringing more than 35 years of executive search and talent acquisition experience across a broad range of industries, including Industrial, Engineering, Construction, Business Services, Consumer Products, Professional Services, and Financial Services.

Throughout his career, Bernard has built and led high-performing search organizations, partnering with both emerging companies and global enterprises to identify and recruit exceptional leadership talent. Prior to founding KeyHires and its affiliate company, Comhar Partners, he led the Chicago office of Stanton Chase and previously spent more than 15 years operating successful search firms, serving U.S. and multinational clients on critical leadership and growth initiatives.

Earlier in his career, Bernard played a key role in expanding S.R. Clarke Executive Search, managing major client relationships and helping establish the firm’s Chicago presence. He also served on the Boards of Directors for S.R. Clarke and MorganWorks.