External CEO Search
→ How we do it 

Capturing and documenting the ownership structure, board expectations, strategic direction and succession background

Defining the CEO mandate, role-specific requirements and measurable success criteria

Clarifying leadership challenges, performance expectations and transformation objectives

Identifying relevant hunting grounds

Clarifying potential off-limits organizations

Agreeing on a clear project timeline, including fixed dates for progress reviews and decision milestones

Defining a tailored external search strategy and target universe

Compiling a list of relevant target companies

Identifying candidates through direct market approach, validated personal recommendations, personal networks and AI-supported search tools

Approaching selected candidates confidentially

Compiling and assessing the longlist

Conducting structured personal dialogues with longlisted candidates

Ranking candidates based on predefined CEO-specific criteria

Assessing candidates through structured, in-depth personal interviews focused on leadership capability, track record, governance competence and cultural fit

Creating and reviewing a candidate shortlist

Preparing detailed CEO candidate reports

Introducing shortlisted candidates to shareholders and/or the board according to ranking

Personally presenting ideally 3-5 shortlisted candidates

Structuring and moderating board and shareholder interviews

Discussing and refining the ranking together with the decision-makers

Obtaining and reviewing personal references

Supporting contract negotiations between shareholders and the selected candidate

Aligning start date, communication sequence and stakeholder messaging

Informing eliminated candidates in a professional and discreet manner

Supporting the onboarding phase post-appointment

Conducting structured feedback discussions with shareholders and the new CEO

Optional sparring during the first months to ensure leadership stabilisation