Hiring executives requires a more focused and strategic approach than regular recruitment. In Europe, businesses face the challenge of finding leaders who can succeed in diverse and ever-changing markets. By 2025, according to IIC Partners, the executive search industry is expected to shift significantly. Key areas of focus will include technology integration, sustainability leadership, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). As companies deal with new ESG regulations and changing work models, the demand for leaders with expertise in AI, digital transformation, and sustainability will continue to grow.
To create this list of the Top 10 Executive Search Firms in Europe, we considered key factors like speciality, company size, reputation, and client reviews. These firms have a proven track record of connecting businesses with top executive talent across various industries through a refined executive search process. In this blog, we’ll explore how each Executive Search Firm uses its expertise and strong networks to help organisations find the right leaders. By focusing on these essential qualities, we’ve highlighted the firms that excel in delivering results for their clients.
Top 10 Executive Search Firms In Europe
1. Egon Zehnder
- Specialty: Executive search, leadership advisory, and board consulting
- Industries Served: Technology, finance, healthcare, consumer goods
- Company Size: 2,500 employees
- Location: Zurich, Switzerland
- LinkedIn Profile: Egon Zehnder LinkedIn Profile
- Overview: Egon Zehnder is a global leader in executive search, with a focus on leadership advisory and board consulting. They partner with organisations to help identify top executives who can drive strategic leadership and deliver long-term value. Their reputation for excellence makes them a trusted name in headhunting globally.
2. Odgers Berndtson
- Speciality: Executive search, board advisory, leadership consulting
- Industries Served: Government, public sector, technology, financial services
- Company Size: 1200+ employees
- Location: London, United Kingdom
- LinkedIn Profile: Odgers Berndtson LinkedIn Profile
- Overview: Odgers Berndtson is renowned for helping organisations across sectors recruit senior leaders. They’re particularly known for their commitment to diversity and inclusion in leadership roles. Their services span both public and private sectors, offering a comprehensive approach to executive search.
3. Amrop
- Speciality: Executive search, leadership advisory, board consulting
- Industries Served: Automotive, energy, financial services, healthcare
- Company Size: 500+ employees with 69 offices in 55 countries
- Location: Brussels, Belgium
- LinkedIn Profile: Amrop LinkedIn Profile
- Overview: Amrop is a global executive search firm with a strong focus on sustainable leadership. They help businesses find executives who fit both culturally and strategically, ensuring long-term success. Their diversity-driven approach sets them apart in the competitive executive search market.
4. BoydenÂ
- Speciality: Leadership recruitment, executive coaching, talent management
- Industries Served: Technology, finance, healthcare.
- Company Size: 1000+ employees, with a significant presence in Europe
- Location: Paris, France
- LinkedIn Profile: Boyden LinkedIn Profile
- Overview: Boyden’s European branch provides expertise in executive recruitment across multiple industries. They work closely with clients to find leaders who can meet organisational goals and drive impactful change. Their bespoke approach ensures the right fit for every leadership role.
5. Pedersen & Partners
- Speciality: International executive search, leadership consulting
- Industries Served: Manufacturing, technology, energy, life sciences
- Company Size: 450+ employees
- Location: Tallinn, Estonia
- LinkedIn Profile: Pedersen & Partners LinkedIn Profile
- Overview: Pedersen & Partners is known for its expertise in cross-border executive search. They assist companies in identifying leadership talent that aligns with international growth strategies. Their deep industry knowledge and global reach make them a reliable partner for executive recruitment.
6. AltoPartners
- Speciality: Senior executive search, leadership consulting
- Industries Served: FMCG, retail, healthcare, energy
- Company Size: 100+ employees with 61 offices in 37 countries
- Location: Milan, Italy
- LinkedIn Profile: AltoPartners LinkedIn Profile
- Overview: AltoPartners combines local market expertise with a global network to provide tailored executive search services. They specialise in finding transformational leaders for complex industries, ensuring businesses have the right talent to navigate today’s challenges.
7. LHC International
- Speciality: Executive search for hospitality and operational real estate sectors
- Industries Served: Hospitality, real estate.
- Company Size: 30+ employees
- Location: Berlin, Germany
- LinkedIn Profile: LHC International LinkedIn Profile
- Overview: LHC International specialises in executive search for hospitality and real estate sectors across Europe and Asia. Their personalised, innovative approach ensures clients find the best leadership fit for their needs. With a growing reputation, they provide tailored solutions for each search.
8. Keller Executive Search
- Speciality: Tailored executive search, senior leadership placement
- Industries Served: Manufacturing, technology, life sciences, consumer goods
- Company Size: 100+ employees
- Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
- LinkedIn Profile: Keller Executive Search LinkedIn Profile
- Overview: Keller Executive Search is renowned for its deep industry knowledge and focus on providing tailored solutions to clients. They specialise in placing senior leaders in roles where they can make a significant strategic impact.
9. Friisberg & Partners International
- Speciality: Leadership consulting, C-suite search
- Industries Served: Manufacturing, energy, Technology
- Company Size: 80+ employees
- Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
- LinkedIn Profile: Friisberg & Partners International LinkedIn Profile
- Overview: Friisberg & Partners focuses on finding leaders who can drive long-term success for their clients. Their approach emphasises cultural fit and leadership capability, ensuring businesses have the right executives to guide them into the future.
10. Heads! International
- Speciality: C-suite recruitment, senior management
- Industries Served: Automotive, healthcare, industrial, technology
- Company Size: 70+ employees
- Location: Cologne, Germany
- LinkedIn Profile: Heads! International LinkedIn Profile
- Overview: Heads! International specialises in finding senior leaders and C-suite executives. With a strong industry focus and an extensive network, they help businesses identify leaders who are poised to drive growth and success.
Why Choose iSmartRecruit For Your Executive Search Needs?
After exploring the Top 10 executive search firms in Europe, it’s clear that these firms are setting the standard in connecting businesses with top-tier leadership. Explore proven strategies for high-end success in our All-Encompassing Guide to Executive Search.
At iSmartRecruit, we aim to make the executive search process efficient for firms like yours. Our executive search software is designed specifically for executive search firms, offering tools like AI-driven candidate matching, advanced executive database search, and real-time analytics to streamline your hiring efforts.
Ready to elevate your executive search process just like the top firms? Book a demo now.
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