What sets a boutique firm apart from the large senior leadership search consultancies? We analyse the advantages of a more specialised and personal model.
In the executive search market, large global firms coexist with boutique consultancies. Each model has its strengths, but more and more companies are choosing the boutique approach for their most important hires. Let us look at why.
A boutique executive search firm is a specialised, small-scale consultancy in which the partners are directly involved in every assignment. In contrast to the high-volume model, it offers a bespoke service, greater confidentiality and deeper sector knowledge.
Senior involvement. In a boutique, the person leading the search is an experienced partner, not a junior team. The client always deals with the same points of contact, who know the detail of the assignment from start to finish.
Fewer conflicts of interest. Large firms, working with many clients, have extensive lists of companies where they cannot search (off-limits). A boutique has more scope to reach the finest talent in the market.
Flexibility and closeness. Processes are adapted to each client rather than following a standard protocol. Communication is more agile and the support more personal.
Specialisation. Many boutiques concentrate their expertise in particular sectors or functions, which translates into faster and more accurate access to the right talent.
Ad hoc Executive Search is a boutique firm with roots in the Basque Country and a presence in Madrid, Bilbao, Donostia, Barcelona and Latin America. We combine the closeness and confidentiality of a boutique with the ability to support our clients wherever they need us.
