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As a sales rep, your life is exponentially easier when you can identify and connect with the right decision-maker. When you engage a CEO, you can be confident that this individual can sign off on significant purchases — which means any time-consuming outreach and relationship-building effort can be well worth it.
Unfortunately, since everyone in sales wants to talk with the C-level, finding that person’s contact information isn’t always the easiest task.
After all, chief executives receive hundreds of emails daily. If their CEO contact information were readily available, that volume could climb into the thousands.
If you’re wondering how to find CEO email addresses, you’re in the right place.
Keep reading to learn proven methods for finding a CEO’s email address, phone number, or other direct contact information—plus tips for crafting impactful messages once you connect.
How to find a CEO’s contact information
Use these seven step-by-step tactics to build your lead list of verified email addresses and get in touch with key decision-makers.
1. Search LinkedIn
When trying to find a CEO’s name, job title, or linkedin profile, LinkedIn is a great place to start. Browse their profile and check their contact info section or links to a company website or social media platforms.
If it’s not listed, consider sending a direct message or InMail through Sales Navigator. You may also find helpful mutual connections or clues in their professional networking activity.
Looking for email lookup tips on LinkedIn? Some CEOs list their company email, while others link to a personal email, press releases, or a company newsletter where their info is subtly included.
2. Leverage prospecting tools & Chrome extensions
Why do the manual work when tools like LeadIQ exist? With our Chrome Extension you can uncover CEO contact details—like email addresses and mobile numbers—as you browse LinkedIn or company websites.
LeadIQ’s extension uses algorithms to verify and enrich contact data in real-time. It’s perfect for quickly finding CEO email addresses, mirroring your Sales Navigator searches, and syncing directly into your CRM.
Plus, it’s free to get started and integrates with other sales intelligence tools for an efficient, automated workflow.
👉 Pro tip: Combine automation and email verification to ensure your cold email hits the inbox of the right person.
3. Find CEO's ‘gatekeepers’
Don’t underestimate the role of executive assistants, chiefs of staff, or other gatekeepers in B2B contact strategy.
Once you’ve locked in a company name, research the org chart to find assistants or admins. You can even cold call the main company phone number and ask to be connected.
These gatekeepers can be protective—but if approached with sincerity and value, they might help you find the direct contact you need.
4. Ask for a referral
Do you share mutual connections with the CEO? Whether it’s a previous prospect or an industry contact, don’t hesitate to ask for a warm intro.
Try this cold email template:
Hi [First Name],
I’ve been looking to connect with [CEO’s Name] at [Company Name], and I saw you’re connected on LinkedIn.
Would you be open to making a quick intro? I’d be happy to draft a blurb.
No pressure either way — and let’s catch up soon!
Cheers,
[Your Name]
Referrals remain one of the most effective prospecting tools for partnerships and lead generation.
5. Use Google search + operators
A smart Google Search can sometimes surface ceo email lists, media interviews, or news articles with hidden contact gems.
Use search operators like:
- [Full Name] email address
- [Full Name] phone number
- [Full Name] contact information
This approach is especially effective for startups, which are often more open and publicly accessible.
Just make sure your outreach is GDPR-compliant, especially when contacting personal emails.
6. Check the company website
It sounds simple, but many overlook the company website as a direct source of CEO contact information. Visit the About, Leadership, or Team page for possible executive email listings or links to social media.
Some companies even include CEO profiles in company newsletters or press releases, which may contain contact info or opportunities to reach out.
7. Use other social media platforms
If the CEO isn’t active on LinkedIn, they might prefer another social media platform—like X (formerly Twitter), SubStack, or even YouTube.
Monitor their posts and engagement style. If appropriate, leave a thoughtful comment or send a direct message. Meeting prospects where they’re most active gives you an edge and demonstrates awareness.
Tips for effective communication with CEOs
Once you’ve landed the CEO contact info, the real work begins. Use these tips to connect meaningfully:
1. Know their communication preferences
CEOs are busy. Whether it’s email, phone, or LinkedIn, understanding their preferred method shows respect—and increases response rates.
2. Build a genuine relationship
CEOs can smell fake enthusiasm from a mile away. If you want to stand out among dozens of cold emails, be authentic. Know their challenges and reference shared contacts, business goals, or pain points.
3. Add value, not noise
Your message should focus on outcomes. Show how you can support their strategy, not sell a product. Avoid fluff and lead with how you solve problems.
Craft a compelling subject line, then keep the message short, tailored, and relevant.
4. Ask clear, relevant questions
CEOs have no time for ambiguity. Ask questions that speak to the c-suite: revenue growth, operational bottlenecks, market expansion, or employee efficiency.
Demonstrating strategic alignment helps your message cut through the noise.
Now that you know how to find a CEO’s contact info, what next?
Finding CEO email addresses, phone numbers, or company emails doesn’t have to be a guessing game. Whether you’re targeting startups, enterprises, or c-level executives, using the right email finder tools, search operators, and prospecting tools helps you build a contact list that delivers results.
✅ Download our free Chrome Extension
✅ Sync verified contact data into your CRM
✅ Use sales intelligence tools to prioritize the right person
✅ Avoid time-consuming guesswork with automation and integrations
Once you’ve made that direct contact, it’s all about value, timing, and follow-through. Ready to see how LeadIQ can power your outreach? Schedule a demo today.
This post was last updated July 5, 2025.
