CEO search requires a different approach from most other executive appointments. The universe of credible candidates is smaller, more carefully considered and less accessible through conventional channels. The most compelling CEO candidates are not actively looking — they are performing well, valued by their current organisations, and selective about what would motivate them to consider a move. Reaching them requires a direct approach grounded in a specific, credible and confidential opportunity presented by someone whose judgement they respect.

Our brief development process for CEO searches is rigorous. We invest significant time — with the chair, the full board and key shareholders where relevant — ensuring that the strategic context, the cultural requirements and the non-negotiable profile criteria are genuinely aligned before we identify a single candidate. Searches that begin without this alignment consistently produce shortlists that fail to resolve the board’s real question.