Friisberg & Partners International Names Managing Partner of its Copenhagen Office
June 22, 2026 – Fribourg, Switzerland-headquartered Friisberg & Partners International has expanded with the addition of Birgitte Olrik as managing partner of its Copenhagen office, strengthening the firm’s presence in the Nordic region and supporting the continued execution of our international growth strategy.
“The future of executive search belongs to firms that combine exceptional local expertise with international reach,” said Zoltán Pethő, chair of Friisberg. “Birgitte brings both. She understands business because she has led businesses. She understands executive search because she has spent years advising organizations at the highest level. Her reputation in the Danish market is outstanding, her values align perfectly with our one firm philosophy, and her appointment further strengthens our ability to support clients across the Nordic region and beyond. We know that our clients achieve better outcomes when they have access to advisors who understand both their local market and the wider global landscape and we are delighted to welcome her to Friisberg.”
“The appointment comes at an exciting time for Friisberg,” Mr. Pethő continued. “As the firm approaches its 50th anniversary in 2027, we continue to invest in exceptional people, strategically important markets and the relationships that have underpinned our success for nearly five decades. Birgitte’s appointment is another important step in that journey.”
Ms. Olrik joins Friisberg with a combination of experience. Before building a distinguished career advising boards and leadership teams, she held senior commercial and leadership positions with internationally recognized organizations including Coloplast, L’Oréal, Danone and Alcan. Having sat on the client side of the table, Ms. Olrik understands first-hand the business model, key revenue drivers and decisions faced by leaders operating in complex and highly competitive markets, Friisberg noted.
Following the completion of her executive MBA, Ms. Olrik transitioned into executive search, where she has spent almost two decades helping organizations identify, attract and develop exceptional leadership talent. Friisberg says that throughout that time, she has earned a reputation for sound judgement, strong business insight and an ability to build long-term trusted relationships with clients across Denmark and the wider Nordic region. Previously, Ms. Olrik founded and led Capriole Consulting Group, creating a highly respected executive search practice known for its quality, integrity and client-centered approach.
Powerful Network
“Her appointment brings not only extensive search expertise, but also deep commercial understanding, entrepreneurial spirit and a powerful network developed over many years working with leaders across multiple industries,” the Friisberg said.
Related: Friisberg & Partners International Opens New Office in Istanbul
“For Friisberg, this appointment represents far more than the addition of an accomplished executive search professional, it also reflects our commitment to bringing together outstanding leaders in strategically important markets where local expertise is strengthened through global collaboration,” the firm continued. “As organizations increasingly face leadership challenges that transcend borders, clients require advisors who combine deep market knowledge with international perspective. Birgitte embodies that philosophy.”
The Select Guide to America’s Top 250 Executive Search Firms
Hunt Scanlon Media proudly presents the Select Guide to America’s Top 250 Executive Search Firms.
This comprehensive online directory is your definitive resource for finding the best executive search firms to serve your talent needs.
Our guide is meticulously curated to connect you with leading firms that specialize in various industries and functions, ensuring you find the perfect match for your executive recruitment needs.
“Throughout my career, I have always believed that successful executive search begins with understanding people, understanding organizations and building trust,” said Ms. Olrik. “What attracted me to Friisberg was the strength of its international offices, its collaborative culture and its commitment to quality. I am excited to join a firm that combines local market expertise with global reach, and I look forward to supporting clients across Denmark, the Nordic region and internationally.”
Founded in 1977, Friisberg & Partners International has been involved in executive search in Europe for over 40 years. Today, it has more than 200 search professionals in upwards of 40 major cities around the world. Many of the firm’s partners have worked for large international management consulting firms including PwC, McKinsey, KPMG, Hay Group, and Deloitte.
Related: Friisberg & Partners International Opens New Office in New Delhi
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
