What is executive search?

Executive search, or senior leadership recruitment, is a specialised method for identifying, assessing and recruiting the best professionals for senior leadership positions. It is based on the direct search (headhunting) of candidates, including those who are not actively looking for a change.

How does executive search differ from traditional recruitment?

Traditional recruitment posts vacancies and waits for responses from active candidates. Executive search proactively and confidentially identifies the best professionals in the market, whether or not they are looking, guaranteeing access to the finest leadership talent.

What is a boutique executive search firm?

A boutique executive search firm is a specialised consultancy with senior teams who are directly involved in every assignment. It offers a personalised service, greater confidentiality and deep sector knowledge, in contrast to the more standardised model of the large firms.

What is a headhunter and how do they work?

A headhunter is the professional who identifies and attracts executives through direct search. Their work combines market research, talent mapping, in-depth interviews and assessment, drawing on a well-established network of contacts.

How long does an executive search process take?

An executive search process usually takes between 8 and 12 weeks, from defining the profile to the candidate joining. The timeframe depends on the complexity of the position, the sector and the degree of specialisation required.

What types of positions is executive search used for?

It is used for senior leadership positions and critical profiles: general management, C-level (CEO, CFO, CIO, CHRO…), board members, department directors and highly specialised profiles, including technology talent.

Which sectors does Ad hoc Executive Search work in?

Ad hoc works in banking and financial services, technology, retail and consumer, industry, energy and infrastructure, real estate, healthcare, family business, the public sector, professional services and media.

Where does Ad hoc Executive Search have offices?

Ad hoc has offices in Madrid, Bilbao, Donostia-San Sebastián and Barcelona, as well as a presence in Latin America: Mexico City, Bogotá and Lima.

Does the process guarantee confidentiality?

Yes. Confidentiality is one of the cornerstones of executive search. Ad hoc protects the identity of clients and candidates throughout the process, both in discreet searches and in the replacement of positions that are currently filled.

Klevo is Ad hoc’s platform specialising in digital and technology talent (Tech Talent), with a team boasting more than 20 years of experience that responds to the growing demand for technology profiles.

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions about executive search

Everything you need to know about the search and selection of senior leadership.

What is executive search?: Executive search, or senior leadership recruitment, is a specialised method for identifying, assessing and recruiting the best professionals for senior leadership positions. It is based on the direct search (headhunting) of candidates, including those who are not actively looking for a change.
How does executive search differ from traditional recruitment?: Traditional recruitment posts vacancies and waits for responses from active candidates. Executive search proactively and confidentially identifies the best professionals in the market, whether or not they are looking, guaranteeing access to the finest leadership talent.
What is a boutique executive search firm?: A boutique executive search firm is a specialised consultancy with senior teams who are directly involved in every assignment. It offers a personalised service, greater confidentiality and deep sector knowledge, in contrast to the more standardised model of the large firms.
What is a headhunter and how do they work?: A headhunter is the professional who identifies and attracts executives through direct search. Their work combines market research, talent mapping, in-depth interviews and assessment, drawing on a well-established network of contacts.
How long does an executive search process take?: An executive search process usually takes between 8 and 12 weeks, from defining the profile to the candidate joining. The timeframe depends on the complexity of the position, the sector and the degree of specialisation required.
What types of positions is executive search used for?: It is used for senior leadership positions and critical profiles: general management, C-level (CEO, CFO, CIO, CHRO…), board members, department directors and highly specialised profiles, including technology talent.
Which sectors does Ad hoc Executive Search work in?: Ad hoc works in banking and financial services, technology, retail and consumer, industry, energy and infrastructure, real estate, healthcare, family business, the public sector, professional services and media.
Where does Ad hoc Executive Search have offices?: Ad hoc has offices in Madrid, Bilbao, Donostia-San Sebastián and Barcelona, as well as a presence in Latin America: Mexico City, Bogotá and Lima.
Does the process guarantee confidentiality?: Yes. Confidentiality is one of the cornerstones of executive search. Ad hoc protects the identity of clients and candidates throughout the process, both in discreet searches and in the replacement of positions that are currently filled.
What is Klevo?: Klevo is Ad hoc’s platform specialising in digital and technology talent (Tech Talent), with a team boasting more than 20 years of experience that responds to the growing demand for technology profiles.

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