The Insider's Edge in Digital Marketing Recruitment
I'm John von Hofsten. With 20+ years leading top agencies, I have a unique understanding of the talent that drives success—both within agencies and on the client-side.
Let's Connect
I Understand the 360° View of Modern Marketing
For over two decades, I was on the front lines of the agency world, building teams and delivering results for major brands. This experience gives me a unique perspective that sets me apart from traditional recruiters.
I know what brands need from their marketing teams and agency partners, and I know the talent agencies need to deliver that exceptional work. Having walked in both worlds, I understand the nuances of what makes partnerships successful and teams thrive.
I launched John Rec to bridge that gap, connecting elite digital marketing talent with career-defining opportunities on both sides of the table. It's not just about filling positions—it's about creating strategic matches that drive long-term success.
More Than Recruitment. A Strategic Partnership
Deep-Dive Discovery
We go beyond the job description. I learn your business objectives, team dynamics, and company culture to understand the strategic impact this role needs to make. Every search begins with comprehensive stakeholder interviews to ensure perfect alignment.
A Curated Network
You won't get a flood of irrelevant CVs. You get exclusive access to my personal, vetted network of high-performing digital marketing leaders—the passive talent that isn't on job boards but represents the top tier of industry expertise.
Transparent Consultation
I act as your strategic partner throughout the entire process. Expect honest feedback, real-world market intelligence, and a fully transparent search that ensures the perfect long-term fit for your team and culture.
The Talent Landscape Challenge
The digital marketing world has evolved dramatically, but many recruiters haven't kept pace. Traditional talent acquisition often misses the mark because it lacks the deep industry context needed to identify truly exceptional candidates.
The best digital marketing leaders aren't actively job hunting—they're busy driving results for their current organizations. Finding them requires industry relationships, market knowledge, and the credibility that comes from having been in their shoes.
That's where my agency background becomes your competitive advantage. I know what questions to ask, what red flags to watch for, and most importantly, how to identify the rare talent that can transform your marketing function.
Building Your High-Performance Marketing Team
For Brands & Advertisers
Tired of candidates who can't connect digital strategy to real business results? My agency background means I can identify talent that truly understands the commercial landscape and speaks the language of ROI.
I find leaders who can manage agency partners effectively, build a world-class in-house function, and drive measurable growth. These are the marketers who understand both the creative and analytical sides of the business—the ones who can navigate complex stakeholder relationships while delivering bottom-line impact.
Whether you need a CMO who can transform your marketing organization or a VP of Digital who can scale your performance marketing efforts, I connect you with proven leaders ready to make an immediate impact.
Finding Your Next Digital Rainmaker
For Agencies
You need people who can thrive under pressure, inspire creativity, and drive client success. I speak your language because I've lived your reality. The fast-paced, results-driven agency environment requires a special breed of talent.
My search is focused on finding digital-first talent who possess the commercial acumen and client-facing skills to make a real impact on your bottom line. These are the account leaders who can grow existing relationships, the strategists who can win new business, and the department heads who can scale your capabilities.
From Account Directors who can manage multi-million dollar relationships to Creative Directors who can lead award-winning campaigns, I understand the unique skill sets that drive agency success and profitability.
Your Confidential Career Partner
For Candidates
Discretion Guaranteed
Your current role and reputation are safe. All conversations are completely confidential, and opportunities are presented only when they align with your career goals and timeline.
Executive-Level Access
Gain access to career-defining leadership opportunities that are often never publicly advertised. These are the roles that can transform your career trajectory.
Strategic Career Guidance
Benefit from market insights and strategic advice based on decades of industry experience. I help you navigate complex career decisions with confidence.
If you are a leader in the digital marketing world, I understand your value and the importance of discretion. I partner with the most ambitious brands and agencies in the region, creating a pipeline of opportunities for exceptional talent.
Success Stories
20+
Years Experience
Two decades building and leading high-performance marketing teams
95%
Retention Rate
Candidates placed through John Rec remain in their roles long-term
150+
Executive Placements
Senior marketing leaders successfully matched with career-defining opportunities
The numbers tell part of the story, but the real measure of success is in the careers transformed and businesses accelerated. When you work with John Rec, you're not just filling a position—you're making a strategic investment in your organization's future.
Ready to Transform Your Marketing Function?
The digital marketing landscape continues to evolve at breakneck speed. Success requires more than just keeping up—it demands leaders who can anticipate change, drive innovation, and deliver results that matter to your bottom line.
Whether you're a brand looking to build a world-class marketing team or an agency seeking your next digital rainmaker, the right talent makes all the difference. And if you're a marketing leader ready for your next challenge, the right opportunity is waiting.
The question isn't whether great talent exists—it's whether you have access to it. That's where I come in.
Let's Start the Conversation
Whether you're looking to hire your next key leader or explore a confidential career move, I'm ready to listen. Every great partnership begins with an honest conversation about goals, challenges, and opportunities.
The best opportunities don't wait, and neither should you. Let's discuss how we can work together to achieve your objectives.