In the world of executive search, the five largest companies that dominate globally are: Spencer Stuart, Heidrick & Struggles, Russell Reynolds, Egon Zehnder, and Korn Ferry, commonly referred to as the "SHREK" firms. All these companies are based in the United States, except for Egon Zehnder (Switzerland). The boards of directors of the largest global companies (Fortune 500) instinctively turn to these organizations when recruiting senior executives. On the other hand, the executive search field also includes several boutique firms that are part of an international network, such as CFR Global Executive Search. While the SHREK firms have a competitive advantage in terms of size, boutique firms stand out in various ways: specialized sector or functional expertise, close client relationships, use of artificial intelligence, or advanced technologies to improve efficiency and speed, among others. So, which approach, or organization will suit you best?
SHREK firms are considered titans of the executive search and business consulting industry. They have developed a reputation as industry leaders over decades.
Selecting the right executives to lead your company is crucial to your success. So is deciding which executive search firm you should choose to handle your recruitment. The decision goes beyond just choosing a recognizable name, however. You need to work with an executive recruiting firm that understands your needs and aligns with your goals.
SHREK is an acronym for the five largest firms in the industry:
Each has significant global resources, including offices spread around the world.
All of these firms are headquartered in the US except for Egon Zehnder. Spencer Stuart and Heidrick & Struggles are based in Chicago, Illinois. Russell Reynolds Associates has its headquarters in New York while Korn Ferry is based in Los Angeles, California. Egon Zehnder was founded in Zurich, Switzerland where its corporate HQ remains today.
Each SHREK firm has its pros and cons. So, we will provide you with an objective look at each of them including key services, advantages, and disadvantages. We will also discuss the key factors you should consider when evaluating any potential executive search firm and why a boutique firm may offer the best solution for you.
This SHREK firms comparison will highlight the pros and cons for each of these agencies to help you make a better decision about finding the right fit.
| SHREK FIRM COMPARISON: SPENCER STUART | ||
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| SHREK FIRM COMPARISON: HEIDRICK & STRUGGLES | ||
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| SHREK FIRM COMPARISON: RUSSELL REYNOLDS | ||
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| SHREK FIRM COMPARISON: EGON ZEHNDER | ||
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| SHREK FIRM COMPARISON: KORN FERRY | ||
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When doing an executive search firm comparison, you want to look at these strengths and weaknesses and see how they align with each other and other options. For example, PIXCELL has deep expertise and a global reach, but focuses on providing a more personalized and hands-on approach to executive search for businesses of all sizes.
PIXCELL has offices in Montreal, Toronto, and Quebec City and specializes in Canadian markets. While they have a small footprint compared to SHREK firms, they do have a significant global presence. As the exclusive partner of CFR Global Executive Search in Canada, they work with a network of leading independent recruiters in more than 30 countries, providing deep local insight into diverse talent markets.
PIXCELL focuses on a proven three-step process for executive search to find the perfect fit for your organization.
| PIXCELL | ||
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How to choose an executive search firm that works best for you is critical to your success. The SHREK firms may be a good fit. But, they might not. You need a strategic ally that understands your needs and can help you find the ideal candidates for your unique situation.
Here are some of the keys to making the right selection:
Before beginning your search, you need to define the specific leadership role you are looking to fill, how it fits into your organizational structure, and your future growth trajectory. Consider the skills and experiences required and how these align with your company’s culture and goals.
You also need to determine whether you need a global reach or whether expertise in industry specialization is more important. A firm with a broad international network may be essential for global roles, while industry-specific expertise can provide deeper insights into markets.
Look for executive search firms that combine a proven approach with innovative assessments to ensure they source candidates that fit your needs. A well-defined process can enhance the quality of candidates presented, so understanding how they evaluate talent is crucial.
Gather insights from previous clients regarding the firm’s success rates and candidate fit. Client testimonials can provide valuable perspectives on the firm’s effectiveness and reliability, helping you gauge whether they are a good match for your needs.
Balancing the cost with the potential return on investment from the right hire is essential. While you want an affordable search solution, keep in mind the impact a successful placement can have on your organization’s performance.
The SHREK firms are big names and have extensive resources. However, the services they offer may not always be the right fit for your needs or budget. They command premium prices and may lack the personal attention you want for your executive recruiting.
PIXCELL is a boutique agency which takes a more personal approach and has deep experience across multiple industry sectors. Coupled with an agile service model and affordable executive search pricing, PIXCELL is an exceptional choice for leadership searches.
Reach out to one of the executive recruiting specialists at PIXCELL to discuss your search needs and learn more about our comprehensive executive search services.
Our talent search specialists are not only leaders in their field but also well versed in industry-specific business concerns. Over the years, our executive recruitment firm has developed a vast network of Canadian and international partners to provide you with fast, privileged access to the best candidates in your industry.
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