Retained Executive Search
Retained executive search for the luxury economy.
An exclusive search for board, CEO and C-suite appointments, led by a named senior adviser. We define the brief, map the leadership market and support your decision through to appointment.
The leadership brief
Retained search, with a defined brief and senior accountability.
Our executive search engagements are exclusive and retained. The scope sets out the leadership decision, research market, assessment approach and commercial terms before work begins. The same discipline applies to luxury, lifestyle and relevant consumer businesses. If the role is not yet clear, a separately commissioned market map can help establish the options.
What retained executive search actually means
Retained executive search is an exclusive, fee-committed engagement in which a firm is appointed to conduct a single, defined search to completion. Unlike contingency recruitment — where multiple agencies compete to put candidates forward and are paid only if their candidate is hired — a retained search is a partnership. The client commits to one firm; the firm commits its full senior attention to the mandate.
Senior appointments call for a clear brief and a considered assessment. We identify relevant leaders, approach them discreetly and evaluate their experience against the business requirement.
Why the luxury economy demands retained search
Many relevant leaders are already in demanding roles and may not be actively considering a move. Specialist research and trusted relationships help us reach them and explore their suitability in confidence.
Confidentiality is agreed at the outset: what may be shared, with whom, and at which stage. We plan candidate approaches around the sensitivity of the appointment.
- Exclusivity — one firm, one mandate, full senior focus
- Discretion — confidential approaches, protected client identity
- Rigour — structured research, market mapping and assessment
- Accountability — the firm owns the outcome, not a transaction
- Reach — access to leaders who never see a job advertisement
How a Luxury Executive retained search works
We begin by understanding the business, its stakeholders and the purpose of the appointment. Together, we agree the role, the required experience and how candidates will be assessed.
From there, the search is methodical: a mapped universe of credible leaders, discreet approaches, rigorous assessment, a considered shortlist, and support through offer, negotiation and onboarding. A senior adviser owns the brief and presents the shortlist, supported by specialist research and a documented assessment process. Accountability remains clear from mandate to appointment.
Specialist experience. Clear accountability.
The practice brings experience in luxury recruitment and executive search to each mandate. Each mandate has a named senior lead, an agreed research scope and a documented assessment process.
The brief and the evidence
Agree the brief, research scope, assessment, deliverables and commercial terms before work begins. Review progress against the evidence emerging from the market, with clear responsibility for client decisions and candidate engagement.
Frequently asked questions
What does a retained mandate include?
The engagement letter defines the work: typically role definition, research, candidate engagement, assessment, shortlist advice and support through appointment. Referencing, specialist assessment and other responsibilities are explicitly agreed.
How is timing agreed?
The timetable reflects the research scope, candidate availability and client decision process. Agree review points and dependencies at the outset; a fixed appointment date cannot be assumed for every mandate.
What happens if the brief changes?
Review what the change means for the research market, assessment, timetable and fees. Material changes should be agreed rather than absorbed into an unclear mandate.
Can a business begin before committing to a search?
Yes. A separately scoped market map or advisory project can help clarify the role. Any subsequent retained search is commissioned on its own agreed terms.
Related
Considering a confidential, retained appointment?
Speak with us about a board, CEO or C-suite mandate — in complete confidence, with no obligation.
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