David Laws

Executive Search Consultant

David is recognized for his expertise in finding the very best talent for his clients. His experience in executive search spans more than 30 years working with organizations, both big and small, within the private, public and not-for-profit sectors.

He began his search career with a global management consultancy. In 1990, following an entrepreneurial urge and perhaps some wanderlust, he ventured out on his own and has not looked back since. His insatiable curiosity about why people do what they do continues to drive him. So too does providing excellence in leadership assessment, executive search and client satisfaction.

David received his honours undergraduate degree in economics and international affairs from Montreal's Concordia University. He has also pursued graduate studies at York University's Faculty of Environmental Studies, Osgoode Hall Law School and the University of Toronto.

Earlier experience included stints with a start-up publishing venture, as a student economist with the federal government, and working on a rail gang in Saskatchewan.

David recently sat as a Board Member on the City of Toronto’s Board of Health, providing governance for the Toronto Public Health Department.

Outside of business, David is active in a variety of charitable causes, and with longstanding friends through Bike United Cycling Club has raised funds for Jack.org, Cycle for Sight, MS Ride, Rider Cider Ride for Autism, Ride for Karen and the Tour for Kids, among several other annual cycling events. He also enjoys cooking and is more than halfway through the Culinary Arts Certificate program at George Brown College.

​To download a PDF version of David's bio, click here.
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Direct: (416) 322-0066
Email: david@davidlaws.ca

My Work

Great relationships really are key to success in life – I’ve maintained lasting relationships with clients and candidates that span over three decades now.  And each and every day, I continue to build new ones.  My network is broad and deep, built over time with energy, passion and commitment.  I'm grateful to be considered a 'trusted advisor' by clients as well as candidates alike.

The brief on how we do what we do: Executive Search

My executive search methodology is thorough, diligent and unwavering.  That doesn't mean I'm not flexible, can't pivot and turn on a dime if necessary, and won't adapt to changing needs.  I can and we will - successfully.  Just ask the clients and candidates whom I've worked with. My success hinges on one critical component though – my relationship with you – understanding your organization, its needs, and where you’re heading.  To that end, my first step is taking the time to get to know you.

Phase One | Discovery
I'll meet with key stakeholders within and sometimes outside your organization, and I’ll ask a lot of questions.  There is no such thing as too much information at this phase – I want to know about your organization's current state of affairs, and your anticipated future state, current expectations for the position and longer-term goals, marketplace issues, leadership styles, corporate culture and all of its nuances – everything and anything relevant to you, your organization and the position. I'll help refine the "Position Description", recommend and even design and develop appropriate marketing collateral for your mandate, conduct preliminary market research, and then advise on a search strategy.

Phase Two | Searching The Landscape
I've earned a reputation for being extremely thorough when it comes to canvassing the marketplace.  And I do it discreetly, professionally and with integrity. I won’t leave any stone unturned to uncover the very best available talent for my clients.  My research is comprehensive from the outset, honed through years of experience, and with creativity thrown in.  All of my work, and extensive network - a who's who numbering in the tens of thousands, is cloud-based and absolutely secure, with ease of access at anytime and anywhere, so that I can deliver the very best service and ultimately a successful result for you. I also strive for an exceptional "customer experience" - whether they are candidates, clients, and everyone who has helped throughout a client engagement. Regardless of the end result, the fact is - people remember how they've been treated along the way.

Phase Three | The Ideal Candidate
Over twenty years in the business interviewing thousands of individuals for hundreds of jobs has honed our skills and instincts, but we never waver from our rigorous assessment process. A candidate’s experience and technical skills are fairly evident on their resume; however, we go beyond this to probe on the critical behavioural competencies and personal characteristics that will determine success on the job. It's that important factor called ‘fit’ – the question that every client asks: 'Will the candidate be able to fit with our team and work in our environment?'. Which goes back to our relationship with you and understanding what your organization is all about.
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Phase Four | Closing The Deal
I work closely with clients to get that ideal candidate onto their team, helping to structure a suitable employment offer, negotiating the terms, conducting reference checks and ensuring any last-minute concerns are addressed. I'm there with my clients right through to the finish line – committed to a successful hire. Of course, it doesn't really end there - the day the successful candidate starts.  I've helped design On-boarding Programs, Leadership Coaching, and on-going Performance Reviews. More often than not, candidates become clients on future executive search mandates.

If you'd like to download a selection of our completed client engagements, please click here.

All good things start with great communication. 

We would love to hear from you. Send us a note or call us directly anytime. We'll be happy to listen and answer any of your questions.

Toronto: (416) 322-0066
​Email: info@davidlaws.ca 


To everyone communicating with us, please rest assured your information will be treated with discretion and confidentiality.