About Us

International Executive Search Federation is one of the world’s most recognized international executive search groups / associations. Identifying talent and leadership in more than 50 offices and 22 countries, we are globally known as “The Local Experts” because we understand regional markets and their specific needs when it comes to executive recruitment. We offer a fully customized, local approach to search projects, based on culture, regional economics and the local candidate marketplace. We never seek to impose a “one-size-fits-all” solution. Our search process is optimized to the local culture.

Sector Practices

We operate in 15 sector practices that bring sector specific leadership and knowledge directly to the client. Because our members are not just capital city based but nationally based on capital city representation, we have a deep understanding of the way regional businesses operate and can deliver talent with the appropriate cultural fit.

IESF has worldwide partners in:
• AsiaPac
• EMEA
• Americas

Global Reach with Local Knowledge

IESF enjoys global reach, helping international firms in mature markets while helping them forge ahead into emerging markets. Our local search consultants provide top value by finding the right talent to fit your exact needs. IESF’s success is built on a strong foundation of trust across cultures, values and principles with a strategic roadmap and dedicated member firms driven to deliver leaders across the globe for their clients. We have forged strong relations with partners in all member nations through regular regional meetings and practice groups built around vertical and geographic markets. We know our partners personally and understand their businesses and executive search strategies.

Achievements

Partners

22

IESF enjoys global reach, helping international firms in mature markets while helping them forge ahead into emerging markets. Our local search consultants provide top value by finding the right talent to fit your exact needs. IESF’s success is built on a strong foundation of trust across cultures, values and principles with a strategic roadmap and dedicated member firms driven to deliver leaders across the globe for their clients. We have forged strong relations with partners in all member nations through regular regional meetings and practice groups built around vertical and geographic markets. We know our partners personally and understand their businesses and executive search strategies.

Solutions And Expertise

IESF operates in 15 sector practices that bring sector specific leadership and knowledge directly to the client. Because our members are not just capital city based but nationally based on capital city representation, we have a deep understanding of the way regional businesses operate and can deliver talent with the appropriate cultural fit.

Solutions
  • Assessment
  • Board Services
  • Career Services
  • Data Analy./Mrkt. Intell.
  • Executive Coaching
  • Executive Search
  • Interim
  • Leadership Consulting
  • Leadership Develop.
  • Mgmt. Consulting
  • On-Demand Recruiting
  • Onboarding
  • Org. Chart Mapping
  • Recruitment Research
Industries
  • Advertising/Marketing
  • Aerospace/Defense
  • Agriculture
  • All Industries
  • Alt. Investments
  • Asset Management
  • Associations
  • Automotive
  • Biotechnology
  • Chemicals
  • Clean Tech./Sustain.
  • Clinical Research
  • Cloud Based
  • Colleges/Universities
  • Commercial Banking
  • Communications
  • Construction
  • Consulting
  • Consumer
  • Consumer Products
  • Consumer Services
  • Corporate Banking
  • Cultural Arts
  • Cybersecurity
  • Data & Analytics
  • Devices
  • Digital
  • Education
  • Energy
  • Engineering & Archit.
  • Environmental Service
  • Faith Based
  • Family Offices
  • Financial Services
  • FinTech
  • FinTech
  • Foundations
  • Global Markets
  • Government
  • Healthcare Services
  • Hedge Funds
  • High Tech
  • Industrial
  • Industrial Products
  • Insurance
  • Internet
  • Investment Banking
  • Investment Mgmt.
  • K-12
  • Legal/Compliance
  • Life Sci./Healthcare
  • Luxury
  • Machine Learning
  • Manufacturing
  • Media & Entertainment
  • Medical
  • Medical Devices
  • Mobile
  • Natural Resources
  • Non-Profit
  • Oil & Gas
  • Payments/Processes
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Private Banking
  • Private Equity
  • Professional Services
  • Quantitative Finance
  • Real Estate
  • Restaurants
  • Retail
  • Software
  • Sovereign Wealth
  • Sports
  • Supply Chain
  • Technology
  • Trade Finance
  • Transportation
  • Travel, Hosp. & Leisure
  • Utilities
  • Venture Capital
  • Wealth Management
Functions
  • Advertising
  • All Functions
  • Board/Governance
  • Business Development
  • C-Level
  • C-Suite
  • CEO/President
  • Communications/PR
  • Customer Service
  • Data/Analytics
  • Development
  • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Finance/Accounting
  • General Management
  • GM/Operations
  • Government
  • Human Resources
  • Information/Digital
  • Invest. Mgmt./Banking
  • Investor Relations
  • Legal/Compliance
  • Manufacturing
  • Marketing & Sales
  • Medical/Clinical
  • Research & Develop.
  • Risk Management
  • Supply Chain

News Briefings

The International Executive Search Federation Launches New Standardized Search Process

International Executive Search Federation (IESF) has unveiled a new initiative to standardize executive search processes across its global network. This comes after an intensive collaborative effort culminating in a unanimous agreement among partners during the 2023 annual general meeting. “The decision to standardize the search process underscores IESF’s dedication to fostering best practices and ethical standards

Embracing Change and Innovation for Executive Search in 2024

With 2024 underway, the executive search and recruiting industry continues to evolve. The past few years, particularly marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, have ushered in significant shifts in workplace dynamics, technological advancements, and evolving candidate expectations. An article from Gertjan Van de Groep, global president of International Executive Search Federation (IESF) and country manager Netherlands, delves into

Leveraging AI for Executive Search Success

In today’s fast-paced business landscape, the role of executive search firms has never been more critical in helping organizations identify and recruit top-tier leadership talent. The demand for exceptional leaders who possess a unique blend of skills, experience, and cultural fit has intensified, prompting recruiters to explore innovative solutions to stay ahead of the competition.

Using ChatGPT for Executive Search

As technology continues to disrupt traditional ways of doing business, artificial intelligence is playing a significant role in a variety of sectors, including the executive recruitment industry. One of these AI tools is ChatGPT, an advanced language model developed by OpenAI. With its ability to read, comprehend, generate, and respond to human language accurately, this tool

Press Releases

New President, Treasurer at IESF

(Oct. 15, 2021) The International Executive Search Federation is proud to announce that Gertjan van de Groep of IESF The Netherlands (Van de Groep & Olsthoorn Executive Search) has taken on the role of President of IESF. Gertjan van de Groep is partner of IESF since 2015. Gertjan has served on the IESF board as

IESF Expands International Network in the U.S.

(Aug. 10, 2021) IESF, the International Executive Search Federation, is pleased to announce that the organization is now represented by a new partner in the United States. We welcome Find Great People to our international network. This expansion is in line with the expansion strategy of IESF to be represented worldwide as a strong and

IESF Welcomes Ruud Executive from Norway to its International Network

(July 13, 2021) IESF is pleased to announce that the organization is now also represented in Norway, by RUUD Executive. This expansion is in line with the strategy of IESF to be strongly represented worldwide as a growing international organization and to serve their clients needs across country borders. Tor-Egil Ruud is RUUD Executive’s founder

IESF Launches Advisory Board to Support Business Strategy and Decision-Making

(April 26, 2021) The International Executive Search Federation – IESF – introduces an Advisory Board. Aim is that this body will not only enhance the international network reputation and credibility but will also provide the President and current members of the Leadership Council with valuable knowledge, information, lessons learned, insights and ideas. The main goal

IESF in the Top 40 Global Talent Providers 2021 by Hunt Scanlon

(April 19, 2021) IESF has been included in the Global 40 by Hunt Scanlon, the list of global Executive Search Firms that now dominate the recruiting business worldwide. Founded in 2002, IESF is one of the most recognized executive search associations in the world. Currently, it is composed of 21 boutique firms highly specialized in

Multimedia

Videos:

 

Insights:
Leadership challenges and future capabilities in business
Executive Search and Recruiting in 2024: Embracing change and innovation
Successful CEO selection for Allied Vision Technologies GmbH and the German 2D Vision Group of TKH
IESF reports increase in cross border executive search assignments
Staying Connected in a Hybrid Work Environment
India is going to be a game changer
The role of the assignor in challenging international search projects
ACCELERATED DEVELOPMENT OF HIGH-POTENTIALS – BUILDING AN EXECUTIVE
SEDUCED BY INCOMPETENCE
THE IMPORTANCE OF BUSINESS MODELS IN EXECUTIVE SEARCH
THE IMPORTANCE OF CULTURAL COLLABORATION IN A SENSITIVE SEARCH FOR A NEW COUNTRY MANAGER USA
HOW TO KEEP YOUR EMPLOYEES MOTIVATED AFTER MORE THAN 1 YEAR WORKING FROM HOME BECAUSE OF THE PANDEMIC
IESF INDUSTRY INSIGHTS: DISRUPTION IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY
KEY LEARNINGS ON INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE SEARCH AND PARTNERSHIPS OVER HET YEARS
NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR FOR RENTAL COMPANY MANAGES OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE SUCCESSFULLY IN TIMES OF THE PANDEMIC
NEW LEADER TO HELP A SUCCESSFUL FAMILY-RUN MANUFACTURING BUSINESS GROW IN CHINA
VIRTUAL RECRUITMENT: HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL WITH A MODERNIZED APPROACH TO RECRUITING THAT INVOLVES VIDEO INTERVIEWING
6 WAYS COVID-19 HAS CHANGED THE JOB MARKET
NEW WORK, NEW PAY, NEW NORMAL – CURRENT CHALLENGES FOR SMES
THE POWER OF DIVERSITY
TRUE LEADERSHIP IN TIMES OF CRISIS

Webinar:
IESF Webinar:Back to Business – 6/9/20