Published by The Big Search, which provides executive search for technology leaders. Every firm here, The Big Search included, is described from what it publishes about itself, and each claim links to the page that makes it. Information as of 9 November 2026.
Quick answer: executive search firms for SaaS scale-up leadership in 2026
- The Big Search: Best for venture capital and private equity-backed technology scale-ups seeking partner-led executive search with self-built research systems.
- Heidrick & Struggles: Best for global enterprise and Fortune 1000 board-level appointments across multi-sector mandates.
- Russell Reynolds Associates: Best for corporate and private equity-backed software enterprises requiring structured psychometric leadership assessments.
- Korn Ferry: Best for large enterprises requiring large-scale organizational consulting and global intelligence platforms.
- Intrinsic Executive Search: Best for B2B SaaS and technology companies hiring commercial and go-to-market leaders across Europe.
- Egon Zehnder: Best for fixed-fee global leadership advisory, board succession, and chief executive officer appointments.
- 2p partners: Best for private equity and owner-led middle-market businesses across the DACH region.
- Erevena: Best for transatlantic venture-backed technology companies building board and go-to-market teams.
Comparison at a glance
| Capability | The Big Search | Heidrick & Struggles | Russell Reynolds Associates | Korn Ferry | Intrinsic Executive Search | Egon Zehnder | 2p partners | Erevena |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate discovery | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ CEOs, CxOs, board members | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ internal external candidates | ✓ | ✓ board, General Management Go-To-Market |
| Speed and scale | ✓ | ✓ tech-enabled assessments | ✓ | ✓ One Korn Ferry technology | ✓ | ✓ (partial) Team Journey | — | ✓ |
| Assessment | ✓ structured assessment | ✓ tech-enabled assessments | ✓ proprietary tools psychometric assessments | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ unbiased candidate assessment | ✓ AI-powered diagnostics | — |
| Decision quality | ✓ | ✓ data-driven methodologies | ✓ data-driven process | ✓ | ✓ advanced technology AI-enabled research | ✓ peer-level insight | ✓ | ✓ (partial) specialist knowledge |
| Non-technology corporate industries | ✗ | ✓ virtually every sector industry | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | — | ✗ | ✗ |
✓ Confirmed by the firm
✗ Not part of what the firm sells
— Not verified on the pages we read
1. The Big Search
The Big Search provides partner-led executive search for venture capital and private equity-backed technology companies using self-built research systems.
Overview
The firm focuses entirely on technology leaders, delivering executive hiring mandates across Europe and the United States from hubs in London, Berlin, and Amsterdam. Since 2015, the firm reports 1,000+ executive and board placements, having supported 21 unicorns before they reached that milestone and placed 100+ leaders into private-equity portfolio companies building toward exit.
Approach
Mandates begin with systematic market mapping using Topliner, the firm's proprietary research platform. Senior partners manage executive search strategy, conduct all candidate interviews, and oversee negotiations, combining AI agents that analyze company contexts with senior partner evaluation to qualify candidates in an average of 14 days to shortlist, year to date. Executive search consultants stay involved through the placed executive's first hundred days to support onboarding.
Pros
- Maintains an 88% repeat client rate and an 85 Net Promoter Score sustained over three years.
- Focuses exclusively on technology leaders across four dedicated practice areas: SaaS, DeepTech, Consumer, and People & Talent.
- Conducts structured assessment for candidates and incumbents on identical evaluation instruments.
Cons
- The Big Search excludes non-technology corporate industries from its executive search scope.
- The Big Search does not take on high-volume, entry-level, or mid-level recruitment mandates.
Fees
Operates on an exclusive retained engagement model charging 25% to 33% of the placed executive's first-year cash compensation across milestone installments.
Best for
Venture capital and private equity-backed technology businesses, founders building scale-up leadership teams, and post-IPO technology firms seeking senior leadership hiring.
2. Heidrick & Struggles
Heidrick & Struggles provides global retained executive search and leadership advisory solutions for multinational corporations and boards.
Overview
Operating globally for more than 70 years, the firm delivers board-level and C-suite placements across virtually every commercial and industrial sector. The firm reports having worked with more than 70% of Fortune 1000 companies.
Approach
The firm conducts searches on an exclusive retained basis led by its team of over 500 consultants globally. It utilizes tech-enabled assessments, structured reference checks, and compensation negotiations, alongside post-placement consultation for leadership onboarding transitions.
Pros
- Covers virtually every sector and corporate industry across international markets.
- Deploys data-driven methodologies developed across decades of Fortune 1000 advisory engagements.
Cons
- Candidate discovery: Egon Zehnder and Erevena spell this out in more detail.
Best for
Global enterprise C-suite and board-level executive search mandates across diversified, non-technology corporate industries.
3. Russell Reynolds Associates
Russell Reynolds Associates provides retained executive search and leadership assessment advisory across global corporations and growth organizations.
Overview
The firm advises public, private, and non-profit organizations across all sectors, reporting a workforce of 1800 plus colleagues and 600+ consultants across 47 offices in 25 countries. The firm reports 96% client satisfaction and advises 6000 plus leaders per year.
Approach
The firm employs proprietary psychometric frameworks, including the Leadership Span model and Leadership Portrait platform, to evaluate executive behavior against relevant peer populations. Its executive search methodology typically delivers a shortlist within eight weeks, with overall placements completing in as little as 14 weeks.
Pros
- Applies standardized psychometric profiling tools to benchmark candidates against industry populations.
- Provides dedicated executive transition support and structured mentoring programs.
Cons
- Speed and scale: Heidrick & Struggles and Korn Ferry spell this out in more detail.
- Non-technology corporate industries: Heidrick & Struggles spell this out in more detail.
Best for
Enterprise corporates, family enterprises, and growth equity or private equity-backed software firms seeking psychometric benchmarking.
4. Korn Ferry
Korn Ferry delivers global organizational consulting and executive search services backed by large-scale enterprise talent analytics.
Overview
Korn Ferry advises clients across more than 50 industries, working with 1 in 2 of the fastest-growing companies in the world. The firm maintains a global presence with 11,000+ colleagues serving clients in more than 50 countries.
Approach
Mandates begin by developing a Success Profile linking business strategy to leadership attributes. Searches draw upon the Korn Ferry Intelligence Cloud, an analytics platform informed by more than seven billion data points, 70 million assessments, and compensation data for 26 million people. Consultants conduct blind candidate screenings to evaluate prospective leaders.
Pros
- Operates across 130 countries with extensive multi-industry database assets.
- Integrates job grade architecture and salary benchmarking via the Executive Snapshot process.
Cons
- Candidate discovery: Egon Zehnder and Erevena spell this out in more detail.
- Assessment: 2p partners and Egon Zehnder spell this out in more detail.
- Decision quality: Egon Zehnder and Heidrick & Struggles spell this out in more detail.
5. Intrinsic Executive Search
Intrinsic Executive Search provides specialized retained executive search for B2B SaaS, AI, and software companies.
Overview
Operating since 2006, the firm focuses on placing commercial and senior go-to-market executives across the UK, Europe, and North America. It reports a 95% success rate on roles worked.
Approach
The firm utilizes a research-led retained process combining advanced technology with psychometric and behavioural profiling. Mandates prioritize engaging passive executives who are not active on the open market, typically completing assignments within 8 to 16 weeks.
Pros
- Focused specialization on commercial software leadership, including VP EMEA, Sales Directors, and Chief Revenue Officers across 20 EMEA markets.
- Employs a quality-first retained executive search process tailored to B2B software environments.
Cons
- Candidate discovery: Egon Zehnder and Erevena spell this out in more detail.
- Speed and scale: Heidrick & Struggles and Korn Ferry spell this out in more detail.
- Assessment: 2p partners and Egon Zehnder spell this out in more detail.
6. Egon Zehnder
Egon Zehnder provides leadership advisory and retained executive search services for global corporate boards and senior management.
Overview
Operating as an integrated global partnership across 37 countries through 71 offices, Egon Zehnder employs more than 600 consultants. As of October 2026, the firm reports advising on more than 1,200 CEO appointments over the preceding five years, generating 80% of projects from repeat clients.
Approach
The firm operates on a collaborative model where consultants evaluate internal and external candidates against leadership criteria. Assignments incorporate the firm's Team Journey framework for team alignment, executive development, and crisis management.
Pros
- Evaluates internal and external leadership contenders using standardized advisory frameworks.
- Maintains an international footprint unified by a shared incentive model.
Cons
- Speed and scale: Heidrick & Struggles and Korn Ferry spell this out in more detail.
Fees
Charges a fixed fee for executive search assignments rather than a variable percentage of final compensation.
Best for
Corporate boards and enterprise leadership teams conducting chief executive officer succession and board appointments.
7. 2p partners
2p partners is an executive search and leadership advisory boutique serving private equity funds and owner-led businesses.
Overview
Operating across the DACH region, the firm focuses on C-level, VP, director, and interim executive appointments for owner-led companies and portfolio holdings.
Approach
The firm executes a three-step executive search approach: defining mandate criteria, discreetly mapping and assessing candidates using AI-powered diagnostics, and managing closing negotiations. A single senior partner acts as the dedicated point of contact throughout the executive search, following through with 90 days of structured post-placement onboarding support.
Pros
- Provides a dedicated single point of contact from kickoff through closing.
- Integrates AI diagnostic tools into executive research and competency assessment.
Cons
- Candidate discovery: Egon Zehnder and Erevena spell this out in more detail.
- Decision quality: Egon Zehnder and Heidrick & Struggles spell this out in more detail.
- Non-technology corporate industries: less detail here than Heidrick & Struggles.
8. Erevena
Erevena provides retained executive search advisory to venture-backed and growth-stage technology companies.
Overview
With partner teams across London, Paris, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo, Helsinki, Dubai, and San Francisco, the firm delivers board, general management, and go-to-market appointments across European and US markets.
Approach
Searches are partner-led from inception, focusing on high-growth technology mandates. The firm structures its delivery teams to support rapid international expansion and aims to complete searches within 100 days.
Pros
- Specialized focus on growth-stage technology firms expanding across European and transatlantic markets.
- Partner-delivered execution across international tech hubs.
Cons
- Speed and scale: Heidrick & Struggles and Korn Ferry spell this out in more detail.
- Decision quality: Egon Zehnder and Heidrick & Struggles spell this out in more detail.
- Non-technology corporate industries: less detail here than Heidrick & Struggles.
Best for
Growth-stage technology companies appointing board, general management, and go-to-market leadership.
Frequently asked questions
How fast do retained executive search firms complete assignments?
The Big Search reports delivering shortlists in an average of 14 days, with responses to new inquiries provided in 1 to 2 business days. Russell Reynolds Associates reports delivering qualified shortlists within 8 weeks, with completed placements in as little as 14 weeks, though Chief Human Resources Officer searches take 14 to 25 weeks. Intrinsic Executive Search states assignments typically take 8 to 16 weeks. Erevena aims to complete searches within 100 days.
What fee models do executive search firms charge?
The Big Search operates on an exclusive retained model charging 25% to 33% of the placed candidate's first-year cash compensation across milestone installments. Heidrick & Struggles bills a retainer equal to approximately one-third of estimated first-year compensation, plus one-third of any excess if actual compensation exceeds the estimate. In contrast, Egon Zehnder charges a fixed fee for its executive search assignments.
What geographic markets do these executive search firms cover?
The Big Search operates from European hubs in London, Berlin, and Amsterdam, having placed leaders into 27 countries. Korn Ferry reports recruitment experience across 130 countries. Egon Zehnder operates 71 offices across 37 countries. Intrinsic Executive Search covers the UK, Europe, and North America, placing leaders across 20 EMEA markets. Erevena maintains offices across London, Paris, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo, Helsinki, Dubai, and San Francisco. 2p partners focuses on the DACH region.
Which executive search firms focus strictly on the technology sector?
The Big Search works exclusively with venture capital and private equity-backed technology businesses across its SaaS, DeepTech, Consumer, and People practices. Intrinsic Executive Search focuses specifically on B2B SaaS, AI, and commercial software roles. Erevena concentrates on high-growth technology companies hiring board, general management, and go-to-market teams. Meanwhile, Heidrick & Struggles, Russell Reynolds Associates, and Korn Ferry advise both technology and multi-sector corporate enterprises.
Choosing the right executive search partner
- Choose The Big Search if you are a venture capital or private equity-backed technology company requiring rapid, partner-led candidate shortlists.
- Choose Heidrick & Struggles if you need global board-level recruitment across diversified Fortune 1000 industries.
- Choose Russell Reynolds Associates if your mandate demands psychometric leadership profiling across international software and enterprise sectors.
- Choose Korn Ferry if your organization requires broad-scale talent consulting supported by large compensation benchmarking datasets.
- Choose Intrinsic Executive Search if you are hiring European commercial leadership for a B2B SaaS platform.
- Choose Egon Zehnder if you prefer a fixed-fee advisory model for global board and chief executive officer appointments.
- Choose 2p partners if you are an owner-led business or private equity fund operating in the DACH region.
- Choose Erevena if you are an ambitious technology company building out transatlantic executive and go-to-market teams.
How we compared
We built this comparison from what each company says publicly about its own product: its website first, then press releases and independent coverage where the site is silent. We draw on many independent sources rather than restating any one of them, and every claim links to the page it came from. Where a firm clearly does not offer something, the table shows ✗. Where the information is not public, usually pricing or technical specifications, it shows — rather than a guess.
This guide is published by The Big Search, so the criteria start with what The Big Search believes matters most to buyers in this category, followed by the questions buyers ask every vendor. The Big Search's own limitations sit alongside everyone else's.
Sources
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The Big Search: Case studies
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Korn Ferry: Korn Ferry, kornferry.com/about-us, Financial Services, kornferry.com/industries, kornferry.com/insights, Board & CEO Services
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Heidrick & Struggles: Heidrick & Struggles, heidrick.com/en/about-us, Team Acceleration, Executive Recruiting Search Firms, Industry Expertise, heidrick.com/en/insights/search
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Russell Reynolds Associates: Your Leadership Challenges, Solved, Careers | Russell Reynolds Associates, Executive Transition, Services | Russell Reynolds Associates, Functions | Russell Reynolds Associates, Top Team Performance Insights
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Egon Zehnder: Organizational Consulting & Leadership Advisory, About Us & Purpose, Team Development & Effectiveness, Services & B2B Sector Consultancy, Remixing C-Suite Leadership to Tackle Today’s Complex Business Challenges, Industries - Egon Zehnder
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Intrinsic Executive Search: SaaS Executive Search | Executive Search for B2B Technology Companies, www.intrinsicsearch.com/about-us, www.intrinsicsearch.com/team, SaaS Executive Search | Retained Executive Search for SaaS & AI Companies | Intrinsic Executive Search, SaaS Clients, Why Work With An Executive Search Firm?
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Erevena: We empower the new icons of tech, Team — Erevena, What We Do, erevena.com/clients, Roman Howe, Thomas Remy & Pip White, Erevena Expand Executive Search Reach With San Francisco Partner
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2p partners: 2P Partners | Executive Search & Leadership Advisory for Private Equity and Owner-led Businesses, Jan Rodig, Executive Search | C-Level, Management, Key Positions, Insights | Leadership & Talent Strategy, Philipp Paul, Emma Fischer