DHR International Opens Office in Switzerland

February 28, 2019 – Chicago-based search firm DHR International has continued its recent expansion with the opening of its first office in Switzerland. Stefan Binder has joined the firm as managing director to lead the new office in Zurich, which becomes DHR’s 10th office in Europe.

DHR has been looking to establish a local presence in the Swiss market for the last couple of years. “Switzerland is a geographic hub for many of our global clients and will allow us to better service our core global practice areas in life sciences, consumer and industrial,” the firm said.

Mr. Binder becomes a member of the DHR’s global life science practice with a primary focus on the life science and healthcare sectors. In addition, he will work as an advisor for selected industrial enterprises and as a member of the industrial practice.

Veteran Recruiter

Mr. Binder holds nearly 20 years of experience in executive search with an extensive and deeply specialized network as well as a solid understanding within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, over the counter, diagnostics and healthcare sectors.

Mr. Binder previously worked in executive search at Odgers Berndtson, Amrop and a search boutique in Switzerland locally and internationally as a partner. His professional career began in marketing and business development roles with the diagnostic division of F. Hofmann-La Roche.

“We are excited to welcome Stefan, with his strong market knowledge and ability to be a trusted advisor to our national and international clients” said Frank Smeekes, Europe managing partner.

“The further expansion of DHR International in Europe and to play an active role in the global life sciences and industry practices is a unique opportunity for me to be able to bring my previous experience to this fully integrated and global executive search firm and develop my career to the next level,” said Mr. Binder. “I can advise clients in Switzerland even more effectively, comprehensively and professionally to attract the best executives together with the clients.”

Since 1989, DHR International has been a leading privately-held provider of executive search solutions with more than 50 wholly-owned offices spanning the globe. DHR’s consultants specialize in all industries and functions, providing senior-level executive search, management assessment and succession planning services tailored to the qualities and specifications of its client base.

Swiss Market

Switzerland has a stable, prosperous and high-tech economy and in multiple rankings is listed as the wealthiest country in the world per capita. It is home to several large multinational corporations, which has helped make it an attractive area for search firms to expand.

Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland, has a stable, prosperous and high-tech economy and in multiple rankings is listed as the wealthiest country in the world per capita. It is home to several large multinational corporations. The largest Swiss companies by revenue are Glencore, Gunvor, Nestlé, Novartis, Hoffmann-La Roche, ABB, Mercuria Energy Group and Adecco. Switzerland’s most important economic sector is manufacturing, which consists largely of the production of specialist chemicals, health and pharmaceutical goods, scientific and precision measuring instruments and musical instruments.

Here is a sampling of recruiting firms who have expanded in Switzerland from the Hunt Scanlon Media archives:

Cornerstone International Group, a global executive search and leadership development firm, recently opened a new office in Zurich. Cornerstone’s Zurich office is led by Christian Ulricht, owner and manager of Ulrich Associates AG. Prior to his career in executive search, Dr. Ulricht worked as project manager for a consulting firm, then in a client advisory capacity for large companies, including one of the leading Swiss banks.

Amsterdam-headquartered executive recruiting firm Inspired-Search has opened a new office in Geneva. The Swiss office is managed by Jan Paul Olijslager, who has more than 15 years of experience working in different countries and in different positions in the transport, logistics and supply chain industry.

TRANSEARCH International has expanded into Switzerland with the addition of Nordwand Group AG. The team in Zürich is headed by Danny Hiscott and Martin Honegger. Nordwand Group is a managed specialist in professional search and interim management. The firm offers consultancy and coaching to senior candidates looking for a new career.

The RSA Group, which is based in London, has increased its commitment to serving clients in Switzerland. Thomas Schleimer, a partner at the RSA Group with extensive international search and healthcare experience, will now also be working from the firm’s Basel office as the search firm expands in the EMEA region.

Pedersen & Partners has opened an office in Zürich and named Thomas Heeger as the country manager for Switzerland. Mr. Heeger has been working in executive search since 2009. He was previously the managing partner for Switzerland for boutique firm DELTACON Executive Search & Recruiting.

Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor; and Andrew W. Mitchell, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media

Share This Article

RECOMMENDED ARTICLES

Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments