How we work
A search built around your decision.
Every search is retained, exclusive and led by a partner who stays with it from the first briefing to the end of the new leader’s first year. We research the whole market, assess candidates in depth and give you the evidence to choose with confidence.
3
Weeks, on average, to a first shortlist
1
Partner leads every search, start to finish
94%
Still in role after two years
12
Months of support after the placement
The process
Five stages, one partner.
01
Brief and strategy
We spend time with the board and leadership team to understand the role, the culture and what success looks like in the first two years.
02
Research and market mapping
Our research team maps the whole market, including people who are not looking, and agrees a target list with you.
03
Approach and assessment
A partner approaches candidates discreetly and assesses them in depth: experience, judgement, motivation and fit.
04
Shortlist and selection
You meet a focused shortlist with detailed reports and references, and we guide every interview and decision.
05
Offer and integration
We manage the offer and the resignation, then stay close through the first year so the appointment succeeds.
What to expect
What every client can expect.
01
One partner, throughout
The partner you meet at the briefing runs the search and is in the room for every decision.
02
Weekly updates
A short written update every week, with the market feedback, not just the progress.
03
Complete confidentiality
Code-named searches, signed undertakings and information shared only where it is needed.
04
A replacement guarantee
If a placement does not work out in the first year, we run the search again.
Questions
Questions, answered.
The things clients most often ask before a search begins. If yours isn’t here, we are happy to talk it through.
How are your fees structured?
We work on a retained basis: a fee agreed at the outset, typically a share of the role’s first-year compensation, paid in stages as the search progresses. There are no hidden costs, and we discuss the structure openly before you commit.
How long does a search take?
Most senior searches take twelve to sixteen weeks from the first briefing to an accepted offer. You will usually meet a first shortlist within three to four weeks.
Do you work on an exclusive basis?
Yes. Exclusivity lets us approach the market properly and represent your organisation consistently to every candidate, which is essential at senior level.
How do you protect confidentiality?
Confidential searches are run under a code name, candidates sign confidentiality undertakings before learning the client’s identity, and information is shared only with the people who need it.
What happens after the placement?
We stay close through the first year, checking in with you and your new leader at agreed points, and every placement is backed by a replacement guarantee.
Ready to begin your search?
Every search begins with a confidential conversation.