01 · Executive Search
The appointments that define an organisation.
Chief executives, chairs, boards and the C-suite, found with patience and judgement.
Overview
The discipline the firm was founded on. We lead retained searches for chief executives, chairs, non-executive directors and the senior executive team, for listed companies, private equity sponsors, family-owned groups and public institutions. Every search is led by a partner, supported by an in-house research team, and conducted with complete discretion.
What's included
Every engagement includes.
- 01
A partner-led brief
Extended conversations with the board, the incumbent where appropriate, and key stakeholders, distilled into a candid written brief.
- 02
Full market mapping
A complete map of the relevant talent pool across sectors and geographies, not just the people who are actively looking.
- 03
Structured assessment
Competency-based interviews, psychometric assessment where useful, and a written assessment of every shortlisted candidate.
- 04
Deep referencing
Ten or more on- and off-list references for each finalist, gathered personally by the lead partner.
- 05
Offer and negotiation
Careful management of remuneration, notice and buy-out discussions so that both sides begin on the right footing.
- 06
Eighteen months of integration
Structured check-ins with the new leader and the board throughout the critical first year and a half.
Process
How the work unfolds.
- 01
Brief
Two to three weeks of listening, culminating in an agreed specification and search strategy.
- 02
Research
Four to six weeks mapping and approaching the market, with a weekly written update.
- 03
Long list
A considered long list with our view on each name, and the reasons we would not pursue others.
- 04
Short list
Three to five candidates, each assessed in depth and ready to meet the board.
- 05
Appointment
Final interviews, referencing, offer and a planned, well-communicated transition.
Typical roles
Where we are most often asked to help.
- 01Chief Executive Officer
- 02Non-Executive Chair
- 03Chief Financial Officer
- 04Chief Operating Officer
- 05Senior Independent Director
- 06Non-Executive Director
- 07General Counsel & Company Secretary
- 08Chief People Officer
We plan most executive searches to reach an accepted offer in twelve to sixteen weeks. Board and chair appointments can take longer, because the calendar of a board rarely moves quickly. We will give you a realistic timetable at the outset and keep to it.
Executive search is conducted on a retained basis, with a fee agreed in advance and paid in three instalments. We do not charge contingent fees for executive roles, because we believe they reward speed over judgement.
Only with your agreement. At the outset we agree a list of organisations that are off-limits, including our other clients, and we honour it without exception.
If a placed executive leaves within the first twelve months for reasons relating to their performance or fit, we will conduct the replacement search without a further professional fee.
Begin
Discuss executive search in confidence.
Tell us about the appointment you are considering. A partner will respond personally, usually within one working day.