Maria Hvorostovsky

Maria is the Founder and CEO of HVO Search - a specialist Executive Search and Talent Advisory firm working at the intersection of creativity, retail and digital. She spent 7 years at some of the world’s leading consumer and fashion executive search firms before founding HVO Search in 2012 with the mission to make hiring the best people simple.

Maria has a degree in Psychology from The University of Nottingham which came in very useful when helping to build an AI and Machine Learning platform that enabled broader access to career coaching. 

At HVO Search she developed a unique in-house methodology based on applied Behavioural Science. Its purpose is to streamline the executive search process and provide additional data points to enhance decision making. 

As a coach, Maria is passionate about helping senior leaders reach their full potential. She is also an avid advocate of women in the workforce. She organises various industry events including a Women Who Win lunch series, HR breakfasts and others. Throughout the pandemic she ran HVO Search Live conversations on Zoom bringing together thought leaders to talk about pressing issues including Wellness at Work, The Purpose of the Office and Digital Acceleration. 

Maria also hosts a video podcast and YouTube series called ‘Anatomy of a Leader’, where she interviews CEO's, Investors, Chairmen and women about their journey to the top. Some of her guests included Sherrille Riley, Sarah Curran-Usher and Lucy Aylen.