Check out the speed controllers used for model aircraft motors. There are numerous manufacturers catering to that market. In particular, the
F3A electric aircraft use very substantial speed controllers for their motors.
I've used the
Schulze future 32.55K in a UAV application, but don't have much to compare it to in terms of making a recommendation. I wouldn't characterize the reliability as fantastic (one of three failed and had to be sent for repair), but the setup at 40 V and about 60 A (maximum power) did work well enough. It's pretty compact (about 3 in × 1.25 in × 0.5 in), but Schulze also makes many smaller speed controllers, for smaller loads.
The other catch is that the closed-loop control is implemented inside of the speed controller—you'll have no influence over it, except maybe to set the firmware mode via DIP switches. The motors are sensorless (no encoders), so the speed controller is constantly monitoring the three leads to determine the timing of the motor. (This seemed to cause rough starts, but once spinning, everything was smooth.)