CEOs are busy, their contact details are often guarded, and you need to reach out in a way that cuts through the noise.
But don’t worry — there are strategies, tools, and methods to make it happen.
Whether you’re pitching a new product, proposing a collaboration, or just looking to get your foot in the door, having the CEO’s email is your first step.
And in this guide, we’ll show you how to find it effectively — complete with tools, expert tips, and actionable examples.
3 Free tools to find a CEO’s email address
1. Wiza
Wiza simplifies finding and verifying emails through LinkedIn profiles. Install the Chrome extension, search for the CEO on LinkedIn, and use Wiza to reveal their contact details.
For a recent campaign targeting CEOs in SaaS, we used Wiza to extract emails directly from LinkedIn Sales Navigator.
It saved us hours of manual work, and the verification feature ensured we avoided invalid emails.
What we did:
- Used LinkedIn and Wiza to identify and verify email addresses.
- Customized our cold emails with insights about their companies.
- Sent emails in batches and tracked responses.
Of 300 emails, 14% responded, and we booked six meetings.
2. Hunter.io
Hunter.io is a lightweight tool that finds professional email addresses based on domain names. Simply type in the company’s website, and it’ll suggest possible email formats.
Pro tip: Use Hunter.io’s email verification feature to confirm the address before sending your email.
3. Apollo.io
Apollo.io combines a massive database with outreach tools. Filter contacts by job title, industry, or location, and export a list of verified CEO emails.
Apollo worked best for building bulk lists for cold outreach, especially when paired with their automated sequencing tools.
Do CEOs respond to emails?
It depends.
CEOs are busy people. Their inboxes are often flooded with requests, pitches, and updates. But that doesn’t mean they’re ignoring you outright.
Whether or not a CEO responds to your email often comes down to these factors:
Industry norms
CEOs might be more hands-on and open to responding directly in industries like tech startups or creative agencies. But, leaders in larger corporations or highly regulated industries might route their communication through teams or assistants.
Tailor your message to the industry and company size.
- For smaller businesses, a direct pitch might resonate better.
- For larger organizations, focus on getting their attention with a compelling reason for them to involve their team.
2. The quality of your email
CEOs don’t have time for generic pitches. They want to know:
- What’s in it for them or their business?
- Why should they trust you?
- How can you save them time or money?
If your email answers these questions succinctly, you’re far more likely to get a response — or have your email forwarded to someone on their team.
3. Their communication style
Some CEOs enjoy being involved in the early stages of partnerships or projects, especially if it aligns with their strategic goals. Others delegate everything to trusted team members.
This is still a win. Even if the CEO doesn’t respond directly, forwarding your email to the right decision-maker within their team is a positive outcome.
- Draft your email thoughtfully, deliver value, and trust the process.
- A well-written, relevant message won’t go unnoticed.
Writing the perfect cold email to a CEO
Once you’ve got the email, it’s time to make it count. Here’s how:
- Personalize the subject line. Mention their name, company, or a recent achievement to grab attention.
- Keep it brief. CEOs are busy, so respect their time by getting to the point.
- Focus on value. Highlight what’s in it for them, not just what you’re offering.
- Call to action. Make what you want clear — a meeting, a call, or a reply.
Here’s a good example email that our CEO received:
Subject: ContactInfo is @10K Monthly Views
Hey Txxxxxx*,
Wouldn’t you love it if Contact Info had just reached 10K monthly organic views? We can make that happen. (No, I’m not exaggerating!)
Would you be open to a quick call where I discuss my plan with you or your marketing team? You won’t be disappointed.
Best regards,
Josxx* @Marketxxx Xxxx*
What not to do:
- Don’t overdo the subject line. Avoid clickbait or vague phrases like “Important Opportunity.” Instead, be clear and relevant.
- Don’t write a novel. Stick to 3–4 short paragraphs max. Anything more risks being ignored.
- Don’t make it all about you. Focus on their needs, not your product or service.
When to reach out to a CEO
Timing is everything. Even the best email can fall flat if sent at the wrong time. Here are some tips from our experience.
- CEOs often check their inboxes early before their day fills up with meetings.
- Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often the best days to reach out. Avoid Mondays and Fridays when they’re catching up or winding down.
- If the CEO is in a different time zone, send your email when it’s likely to land at the top of their inbox.
Use scheduling tools to time your email perfectly.
How to follow up with a CEO
Following up is essential but requires a delicate balance. Here’s how to do it right:
- Wait 4–7 days. Give them enough time to read and consider your email before following up.
- Reference your previous email and reiterate your value proposition.
- Provide something new. To keep their interest, add a case study, a relevant article, or a new insight.
- Know when to stop. If they don’t respond after three follow-ups, move on to other opportunities.
Finding a CEO’s email is just the beginning. The real challenge is writing an email that resonates with them.
With the right tools, timing, and approach, you can connect with top decision-makers and start meaningful conversations that drive results.
Commonly asked questions
How do you find the email addresses of CEOs?
You can use tools like Wiza, Hunter.io, or Apollo.io to find and verify CEO email addresses. Additionally, LinkedIn profiles, company websites, and press releases are great places to start.
Is it OK to email the CEO directly?
Yes, it’s perfectly acceptable to email a CEO directly as long as your message is professional, relevant, and adds value.
How many emails does a CEO get a day?
CEOs receive hundreds of emails daily, depending on their company size and industry. To stand out in their crowded inbox, focus on crafting a personalized subject line and keeping your email brief and impactful.
How to find contact information for business owners?
To find a business owner’s contact details, start with their company website’s Contact Us or About Us pages. LinkedIn is another excellent resource, especially if you pair it with tools like Wiza or Hunter.io. Networking at industry events or contacting mutual connections can also help you find their information.
