About Us

Ward Howell International (WHI) is known as the world’s second oldest executive search firm. Over the past seventy years, we have developed into one of the premier strategic leadership consulting firms successfully establishing a global competence network which allows us to be active all over the world in various industries for multinational companies, local corporations, mid-sized companies as well as government agencies, law firms and financial services firms.

Based on the experience of our consultants Ward Howell is able to offer – apart from our core business, executive search – other consulting services which are based on experience. We believe that methodology-based consulting has its merits but that most of our clients already know the problem, want the solution to the problem, and above all want it to be implemented. These services encompass among others

• Management Assessment
• Interim Services
• Organizational Advice, both for board and executive level
• Succession Planning for family businesses

We do not believe that a consulting concept predominantly based on geographies can be successful. C-level executives these days are highly mobile and move on the corporate chessboard across borders. This calls for an international view of the candidate market.

Ward Howell is organized in industry verticals/practices, following the organizational structure of our clients. Our partners recruit candidates and develop business both locally as well as internationally – based on the clients’ needs and clients’ structures, regardless their location. Our 30+ offices are serving clients locally and provide access to global candidate markets.

Achievements

Solutions And Expertise

Ward Howell is known as the second oldest executive search firm in the world. Over the past sixty years, we have developed into one of the premier strategic leadership consulting firms successfully establishing a global competence network, which allows us to be active all over the world in various industries for multinational companies, local corporations, mid-sized companies as well as government agencies, law firms and financial services firms.

Solutions
Industries
Functions

News Briefings

Digital Technology’s Effect on Recruitment

Professional recruitment has changed considerably in the past decade or so, and, not surprisingly, the rise of digital technologies has played a major role. These technologies have made it so convenient to get the word out about a vacancy that needs to be filled, according to a recent report from Ward Howell International. “One job

Nurturing Talent in the Digital Age

When companies create roadmaps for their digital transformation journey what remains as the critical piece of the plan is ironically not some form of technology. Human capital remains a cornerstone and central resource of any company, according to a report from Ward Howell’s Gary Abello. “After all, the success of a company’s digital transformation sits

Crisis Management: CFOs Confront New Layers of Risk in Pandemic Era

Perhaps the most important lesson that business leaders have learned from the pandemic is the importance of continuity planning in the C-suite, and beyond. In the crosshairs: Chief financial officers who are suddenly dealing with a vast array of new challenges, from cash flow, declining revenues, and employee health, to advising the CEO and board

Job Seekers, and Recruiters, Adjusting to a More Flexible Future Workforce

Job seekers are becoming more open to opportunities outside their current roles, pointing to a future workforce that is more skilled and more apt to transition into new industries, according to new survey examining the impact of the pandemic on recruiting and job seekers by CareerBuilder. A third of respondents said that too much competition

Press Releases

Matt Clemens to Join Ward Howell International as Managing Partner, Leads the New Cleveland Office

Matt Clemens joins Ward Howell International and leads the new Cleveland, Ohio office as Managing Partner. He has more than 25 years of executive search, recruiting and operational experience. Specifically, he has conducted assignments for chief executive officers, chief financial officers chief operating officers, division presidents, general managers and functional heads of sales, marketing, human

Ward Howell International Commits to Achieving Gender Parity by 2030

NEW YORK, NY March 27, 2018 – Today Ward Howell International, in partnership with the Paradigm for Parity® coalition, announced its commitment to achieving gender parity throughout its corporate leadership structure by 2030. “We are proud to partner with the Paradigm for Parity® movement and work towards fully addressing the gender imbalance prevalent in corporate leadership positions,” said Kimberly

Kimberly Bishop Joins Ward Howell International as Chairman USA Advisory Board

NEW YORK, NY, March 8, 2018 – Executive search firm Ward Howell International has appointed Kimberly Bishop as chairman of Ward Howell USA’s advisory board. Based in New York, Bishop will also collaborate across practices on key talent projects and executive searches. Bishop is the Founder and CEO of Kimberly Bishop Talent Advisory. She began her career in search as managing director of

Sonia Prais Joins Ward Howell International as Partner

NEW YORK, April 3, 2017 — Executive search firm Ward Howell International has appointed Sonia Prais as a partner within the retail, beauty, & lifestyle practice group. Ms. Prais is based in California, and brings with her over 20 years of experience in executive search, having worked domestically in the US and extensively across Europe and Asia,