Financial services search firm Hanover Search has launched its US office, with expansion into South Africa due shortly.

The US office comes from the acquisition of New York search firm LeaderFinder, which continues to be led by managing director Tom Carter.

MD of Hanover Search Actuarial & Risk, James Emmett, based in the company’s London office, tells Recruiter that the company had been involved in an 18-month “courtship” with Carter and the firm before eventually choosing the moment to buy.

Previously global chief security officer practice leader at Gow & Partners, Emmett spent 11 years as a US diplomat with a special focus on counter-terrorism.

The firm has also appointed Gail Bishop as a partner to establish the firm in South Africa. She previously ran the South African business of search firm Elliott Bauer.

Emmett tells Recruiter the company has been operating remotely in South Africa for several years, and will source locations for the new office next month, with Johannesburg a likely candidate for its first office.