Building Brands. Placing Leaders.
From the largest global toy manufacturers to start-ups, De Forest Search has shaped the leadership teams behind the world’s most beloved consumer brands. Our story began when Jill De Forest launched De Forest Search, a search firm initially created and dedicated to Mattel. De Forest Search grew into a powerhouse talent partner for manufacturers, entertainment studios, licensing agencies and global lifestyle brands across marketing, licensing, sales, digital, creative, operations, product design, product development, and more.

Where Legacy Meets Leadership
De Forest Search has placed 700+ executives and senior leaders in the toy and lifestyle industries, including:
President
Global Gaming Company
President
First Online Toy Company
Chief Marketing Officer
Global Toy Manufacturer
Chief Financial Officer
Global Toy Manufacturer
EVP, Consumer Products
Global Studio
EVP, Licensing & Partnerships
Entertainment Studio
EVP, Sales
Toy Company
EVP, Entertainment
Global Toy Company
VP, Global Brand Strategy
Toy Company
Head of Digital Marketing
Toy Manufacturer

Decades of Leadership
30+ years in consumer & lifestyle expertise

Legacy Placements
700+ executive & senior placements

Global Partnerships
Exclusive relationships with top brands

Transformative Talent
Strategic solutions driving lasting success
De Forest Search + TalentoHC
In 2023, De Forest Search joined forces with TalentoHC, a nationally recognized executive search firm with global reach. The result: a more agile, scalable, and insight-driven partner for brands across the toy, entertainment, and consumer products industries.
As De Forest Search celebrates 25 years of shaping leadership teams, this next chapter allows us to deliver even greater value, pairing our legacy of deep industry expertise with TalentoHC’s expansive capabilities.
Transforming What Looks Like
Global Reach, Local Insight
With offices in Miami, New York, Los Angeles, and the UK, our team brings regional knowledge and global connectivity to every search. We help you tap into top-tier talent across key markets—wherever your business grows.
EXPLORE OUR GLOBAL NETWORK →
Executive Search Across Industries
We specialize in cross-industry placements across consumer products, technology, finance, media, and more. Whether you’re hiring for a legacy brand or a high-growth disruptor, we bring the depth and agility to find the right fit—fast.
SEE OUR INDUSTRY EXPERTISE →
Scalable, High-Touch Solutions
Every business is different. That’s why we deliver customized recruitment strategies—from single executive hires to multi-role buildouts—backed by high-touch service and unmatched discretion.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PROCESS →
Trusted By Industry Leaders






Jill had represented and placed me in the role of EVP at Disney Consumer Products, and I have worked with Jill throughout the years for my hiring needs when hiring for my teams at Mattel, Disney and Play Monster. Jill is very well-rounded and knowledgeable in the toy and entertainment industry. I have always found Jill to be a great resource for my critical hiring needs as she knows the talent and moves quickly.
I have known and worked with Jill De Forest for over 25 years, whether it was to provide recommendations or to discuss a possible role for me, she has always been diligent and thoughtful in her approach. Jill placed me as the Head of Global Consumer Products at both Fox and Miraculous Corp. Jill always goes above and beyond to accommodate in respect to relocation needs and even suggesting interim housing options. I highly recommend Jill and De Forest Search for any hiring needs in the toy and entertainment industries.
Jill De Forest Recruited me from the Fashion industry for a VP of Licensing, for Mattel. While I was not looking to make a change, Jill presented a very compelling reason why it would be worthwhile to explore and how the fashion industry and toy industry have many similarities. I agreed to interview and since enjoyed an 11- year career running North American Consumer Products and subsequently Global Strategy until I retired. Jill was great every step of the way and truly cares about finding the best match for her clients.
Diane Reichenberger
Former VP, Consumer Products Global Strategy Mattel
Jill De Forest Recruited me from the Fashion industry for a VP of Licensing, for Mattel. While I was not looking to make a change, Jill presented a very compelling reason why it would be worthwhile to explore and how the fashion industry and toy industry have many similarities. I agreed to interview and since enjoyed an 11- year career running North American Consumer Products and subsequently Global Strategy until I retired. Jill was great every step of the way and truly cares about finding the best match for her clients.
Andy Yeatman
CEO | Miraculous Corp.
I met Jill De Forest at New York Toy Fair 25 years ago. She recruited me for a role as Vice President Marketing for Electronic Arts.
I was impressed with her extensive relationships in the industry. Years later, Jill placed me again in my dream role as a Vice President, Marketing in the Boys Toys Group at Mattel. Since then, I have engaged De Forest Search over the past 20 years, as my go-to Recruitment Partner whenever I had hiring needs. She has helped me recruit and build high performance teams in three different companies.
I am always happy with Jill’s responsiveness, confidentiality, and ability to fill my roles quickly with qualified candidates. I Strongly recommend her.
Bob Aniello
Partner | Sky Castle Toys
SEPT 10 2025
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UPCOMING EVENT
Toy Association Happy Hour
Hosted by De Forest Search Powered By TalentoHC in partnership with The Toy Association
Get in Touch with the De Forest Team
Whether you’re building out a leadership team, launching a new product, or navigating growth, De Forest Search Powered by TalentoHC is your trusted partner in talent.
Let’s start the conversation.
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