In Europe, there are over 3,500 organizations and individuals (excluding UK) that provides Executive Search services but only less than 300 firms that offers true Retained Executive Search or Direct Approach Executive Search as popularly known in the continent.

Retained Executive Search takes a consultative approach like management consulting in hiring senior executives, typically Board positions, C-Suite, and other critical leadership positions. This form of search is ideal when you need the most qualified person and not just a qualified person

We are proud to present you our Top 50 Executive Search Firms in Europe for 2021.

Methodology

Our methodology is driven by direct feedback sourced from candidates and executive search buyers. Candidates who were placed, approached, or recommended for a role in addition to brand recognition and executive search buyers who used a search firm in the last three years. Our resume and job description sharing and tracking platform gives us access to large number of senior executives in the market

Our ranking is a true reflection of what the market thinks about each of these firms and must fulfil the below criteria.

• Should be an executive search or board consulting firm
• Should follow Direct Approach executive search methodology
• Should have a research team and at least 2 partners/consultants
• Should follow a research oriented, systematic methodology in identifying and engaging with passive and hard-to-reach candidates
• Should be headquartered in Europe
• Should have most consultants and employees based in Europe
• Excellent network of candidates who wouldn’t otherwise entertain unsolicited recruitment calls
• No job postings online, on website, job board or LinkedIn. Internal roles permitted.
• Commitment to confidentiality and identity of clients and candidates
• In existence for at least 3 years in the market

Survey period: 10 April 2021 – 10 October 2021
Survey coverage: 10 January 2019 – 10 September 2021
Individual respondents: 11,000
Professional level of participants: Board Members, C-Suite Executives, Next Level Down Executives (SVP, EVP, Heads and critical roles), In-house Senior HR Executives etc.

Our ranking is not solely based on revenue or size of the business. “Revenue-only” approach to ranking puts smaller firms and those not willing to disclose revenue at a disadvantage even though they are deeply valued and trusted by candidates and clients alike.

Our ranking does not include firms headquartered in the UK.