Executive Search

For more than 50 years, Odgers has supported organisations in achieving their ambitions by building high-performing leadership teams. We specialise in executive search at the highest level, connecting exceptional candidates with key positions on executive boards, management teams and supervisory boards.

Our motto, "Big enough to matter, small enough to care", reflects the combination of international reach and local commitment that defines our approach. With a global network of more than 450 consultants across 33 countries, we combine international capabilities with deep knowledge of the Dutch market.

Our approach is thorough, strategic and personal. We take the time to understand the context, culture and challenges of every organisation. As a result, we do not simply identify the right person for a role; we strengthen the leadership team as a whole and create lasting value.

Our approach

Our executive search methodology is built on decades of experience, scientific rigour and a deep understanding of our clients' strategic objectives. We believe that successful leadership appointments begin with a comprehensive understanding of the organisation. That is why every assignment starts with an in-depth discovery phase, during which we work closely with you to analyse your strategy, growth ambitions, organisational structure, culture and challenges. These insights are translated into our proprietary LeaderBlueprint™ model, which forms the foundation of our search strategy.

LeaderBlueprint™ provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating executives and leadership teams across three dimensions: Competencies (how), Experience (what), Motivations (why). This methodology allows us to bring greater objectivity to executive assessment and reduce reliance on subjective judgement. The result is independent advice based on deep insight, robust research and careful analysis. 84% of the executives we place remain with the organisation after three years.

Curious how this approach can support your leadership challenge? Discuss your challenge with one of our consultants.

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 is carefully designed to provide maximum objectivity, transparency and depth.

Every executive search assignment begins with the development of a clear profile based on our LeaderBlueprint™ model. We then apply a structured and consistent assessment methodology, in which all candidates are evaluated against the same measurable criteria.

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

In this selection process, we look beyond experience and expertise. We also analyse motivations, leadership style and cultural fit within your organisation and team dynamics. This approach significantly increases the likelihood of a long-term and successful partnership between candidate and organisation. For every position, we do not select ‘the best candidate in general’, but the best candidate for your specific context.

Through this transparent and evidence-based selection process, we distinguish ourselves as executive search specialists and consistently achieve strong candidate matches, resulting in sustainable placements and measurable impact at leadership level.

Our support does not end with the appointment. We also assist with the onboarding process to ensure the successful integration of the new leader. Our structured and transparent approach creates sustainable matches and strengthens the continuity and performance of your leadership team.

Interested in learning how this process aligns with your situation? Discuss your challenge.

Our team of experts

The Odgers Netherlands team consists of highly qualified consultants with diverse backgrounds and deep expertise in executive search. Each team member brings a unique combination of experience and insight, developed across sectors including healthcare, government, technology, financial services, private equity and life sciences. Thanks to this diversity of knowledge and perspectives, our executive search consultants are able to 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 operates across a broad range of sectors, supporting organisations in identifying and appointing leaders for their most critical positions. Our deep understanding of these industries and the challenges they face enables us to deliver tailored solutions that make a real difference.

Within the healthcare sector, we support hospitals, healthcare providers and industry organisations in the recruitment of board members, medical directors and supervisory board members. We understand the complexity of the sector, where innovation, accessibility and workforce shortages remain key challenges.

Within the public sector, we identify directors-general, senior civil servants and other strategic leaders capable of translating policy into meaningful impact. Our experience in government and public organisations enables us to assess candidates operating at the intersection of governance, politics and society.

In the technology sector, we recruit CEOs, CTOs and innovation leaders for scale-ups, IT service providers and deep-tech organisations. We help organisations build future-focused leadership in a rapidly evolving environment.

Within financial services, ranging from banks to pension funds, we appoint C-level executives who can lead organisations through complex transformations, increasing regulatory demands and digitalisation.

Every sector has its own dynamics, challenges and leadership requirements. Our consultants are happy to discuss the challenges facing your organisation and explore how we can support your leadership ambitions.