A search, seen from the inside.
Retained executive search, run by one partner from the first brief to the final reference. This page explains how a search runs, how we keep it confidential and what it costs.
Fourteen weeks, on average.
Most of our searches close between week twelve and week eighteen. Board appointments take longer, interim roles much less. You will always know which week we are in and what happens next.
Weeks 1–2
Brief
We meet the people who will work with the new leader and write a brief everyone has agreed to.
Weeks 2–5
Map
We map the market in full, including the people who are not looking. You see the map, not just the names on it.
Weeks 5–8
Approach
A partner makes every approach personally, in confidence and with a reason.
Weeks 8–10
Shortlist
Three to five candidates, each with a written assessment and our honest view.
Weeks 10–14
Appointment
References at every level, offer, notice period and the first hundred days.
Confidential by default.
Discretion is not a promise we make at the start. It is built into how every search is run.
Every search has a code name
Your company is not named in an approach until the candidate has agreed to confidentiality in writing.
Need to know, in both directions
Only the partner and one researcher see the full file. Candidates are never introduced to each other.
Your current team is protected
We do not approach anyone from a client we have worked with in the last two years.
Data that does not linger
Candidate files are deleted six months after a search closes unless the candidate asks us to keep them.
What a search costs.
We agree the fee before the search begins and do not change it afterwards.
Terms of engagement
Standard
Basis
Retained only, never contingency
Fee
One third of first-year cash compensation
Payment
In three parts, at start, shortlist and appointment
Guarantee
Search repeated without fee if the appointee leaves within twelve months
Expenses
Agreed in advance and invoiced at cost
Questions we are often asked.
If yours is not here, a partner will answer it on a first call.
Do you work on contingency?
No. We work on a retained basis only, because it is the only way to run a full and fair search.
Can you assess internal candidates?
Yes. Internal candidates are assessed alongside the external longlist, discreetly and to the same standard.
Which regions do you cover?
We run searches across the United Kingdom and continental Europe from London and Zurich, and for international groups from New York.
What happens after the appointment?
The partner stays in touch through the notice period and the first hundred days, and checks in again at six months.