Executive Search

For over 50 years, Odgers has been helping organisations fulfil their ambitions by assembling the finest leadership teams. We specialise in top-tier executive search, matching exceptional candidates to pivotal roles on executive boards, steering committees and supervisory boards.

Our motto 'Big enough to matter, small enough to care' reflects our global reach combined with our local ownership structure. With a worldwide network of more than 450 consultants across 32 countries, we leverage international capabilities while maintaining a deep understanding of the Dutch market from our Amsterdam office.

Our holistic methodology is thorough, strategic and personal. We immerse ourselves in the context, culture and challenges of every organisation. As a result, we don’t simply find the right person for a given role; we always add sustainable value to the leadership team as a whole.

Our approach

Our executive search process is founded on decades of experience, scientific rigour and a sharp focus on our clients’ strategic objectives. We believe that successful leadership appointments start with a profound understanding of the organisation. That is why every assignment begins with a comprehensive intake, during which we work closely with you to analyse your strategy, growth targets, organisational structure, culture and challenges. We then translate these insights into our proprietary LeaderBlueprint™ model, which underpins our recruitment strategy.

The LeaderBlueprint™ model offers the most complete framework for evaluating executives and teams according to three pillars: competencies (the “how”), experiences (the “what”) and motivations (the “why”) required for success. By applying the methodology behind LeaderBlueprint™, we are able to objectify subjective judgments. The outcome is independent advice based on deep insights, meticulous research and careful analysis. This contributes to your success: 84 percent of the candidates we place are still with the organisation three years on.

In-depth market analysis

We then conduct a comprehensive market analysis. Utilising our international network and the LeaderBlueprint™ model, we map relevant talent pools, including benchmarks and competitor insights. Our market analysis is an essential element of the executive search process and goes far beyond merely identifying potential candidates.

At Odgers, we examine the market from multiple angles. We explore current market trends, strategic shifts within sectors and evolving leadership practices. We also leverage benchmark data to compare salaries, job levels and responsibilities for similar positions. Additionally, we chart talent distribution within specific industries or regions —identifying where talent is abundant, and where it is scarce.

This rigorous market analysis enables us not only to identify suitable profiles but also to advise you on positioning, opportunity and feasibility. As a result, we can better forecast where the right leadership talent resides and how to connect it effectively with your organisation. Our detailed knowledge of the Dutch market, combined with international perspectives, provides a robust, forward-looking foundation for every executive search in the Netherlands.

Structured selection process

Our selection process has been carefully constructed to ensure maximum objectivity, transparency and depth. Every executive search assignment begins with defining a clear profile based on our LeaderBlueprint™ model. From there, we employ a structured and consistent assessment methodology, applying the same measurable criteria to all candidates.

This yields a longlist of potential candidates, which we review in close collaboration with you. Following in-depth interviews, behavioural analyses, assessments and reference checks, we produce a shortlist of the most suitable contenders.

When selecting candidates, we look beyond mere experience and expertise to understand their motivations, leadership style and cultural fit within your organisation and team dynamics. This approach significantly increases the likelihood of a long-term, successful partnership between candidate and organisation. For each appointment, we focus not on “the best candidate in general,” but on the best candidate for your specific context.

Thanks to this transparent and evidence-based selection procedure, we distinguish ourselves as trusted headhunters, consistently delivering strong candidate matches. The result: sustainable placements that make a measurable difference at leadership level.

Our support does not end with the appointment. We also assist with the onboarding process to ensure the smooth integration of the new leader. Our structured and transparent approach fosters lasting matches and reinforces the continuity and performance of your leadership team.

Our team of experts

The Odgers Netherlands team comprises highly qualified consultants from diverse backgrounds, each possessing deep expertise in executive search. Every team member brings a unique blend of experience and insight, drawn from sectors such as healthcare, government, technology, financial services, private equity and life sciences. Thanks to this wealth of knowledge and perspective, our executive recruiters find the right solution for every leadership challenge.

Our consultants have a proven track record in successfully filling C-level roles, CEOs, CFOs, COOs and other strategic positions on executive boards and supervisory boards.

Sectors in which we operate

Odgers is active across a wide range of sectors, supporting organisations in finding candidates for their most critical positions. By harnessing our deep understanding of each industry and its unique challenges, we deliver truly bespoke solutions that make a genuine difference.

• Healthcare: We assist hospitals, care institutions and industry associations in recruiting board members, medical directors and supervisory board members. We appreciate the complexity of this sector, where innovation, accessibility and workforce shortages are key themes.
• Government: We search for directors-general, senior civil servants and other strategic leaders who can translate policy into impact. Our experience in the public sector equips us to identify candidates who operate at the intersection of governance, politics and society.
• Technology: We recruit CEOs, CTOs and innovation managers for scale-ups, IT service providers and deep-tech companies. We help build forward-looking leadership in a rapidly evolving environment.
• Financial Services: From banks to pension funds, we place C-level executives who guide organisations through complex transformations, increasing regulation and digitalisation.