Every year, our global partners meet for a three-day meeting to discuss trends in Executive Search, exchange best practices and see how all of this can benefit our clients globally. This year’s meeting was held in Amsterdam from September 20th to September 22nd and was hosted by our Netherlands partner, BeljonWesterterp. It was a particularly interesting meeting as we noticed the following trends: firstly, utilization of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning is becoming more and more prevalent in our industry at all levels. Secondly, compared to 2022 where we were noticing a candidate driven market, 2023 seems to be a more balanced market from a candidate’s availability standpoint. Finally, high inflation in most economies has pushed several of our clients to delay certain investments and to be more prudent. From CFR Global Executive Search’s standpoint however, most of our partners experienced a good 2023, and are looking forward to 2024 that should be an interesting year as increases in interest rates in most economies will continue to influence the economy.
This yearly conference is also an opportunity for our partners to discover a new country, its successful businesses, celebrate its culture and heritage, and celebrate our diversity as a global network. We were therefore fortunate enough to visit the Rijksmuseum, home to the Dutch masters of arts, the National Maritime Museum, home of the Netherlands’ rich naval history, and visited the Royal FloraHolland, located in Aalsmeer, the world’s largest flower auction in the world: 128 acres and 5B Euros in yearly revenue.
Furthermore, as CFR Global Executive Search continues to expand its reach, we were fortunate enough to welcome two new partners: from Norway, Orion & Partners AS under Kristian Knudsen’s leadership and from Romania, Qualia Executive Search under Ionut Balintoni’s leadership. Both new partners are seasoned Executive Search Firms in their respective markets and will strengthen our network both in Europe and globally.
As we are saying farewell to Amsterdam, we are already looking ahead to our next conference in 2024 that will be held in Montreal, home to our Canadian partner, PIXCELL – Leaders recruiting leaders. Canada, in terms of GDP is one of the 10 largest economies in the world, and has a diversified economy in real estate, natural resources, manufacturing, and technology. We believe that it is particularly pertinent to have our next conference in this country as its economy is highly reliant on international trade.
About CFR Global Executive Search:
CFR Global Executive Search was founded in the 1990s by four independent retained search companies from France, Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK. The aim was to offer clients pan-European recruitment that crossed borders so that true talent and skill became searchable and hirable.
Since then, the number of companies that have joined the CFR network has consistently increased both in Europe and in other geographic areas. At present, CFR Global Executive Search operates across the entire world and covers all the most successful markets on the planet.
About BeljonWesterterp B.V.:
With over 30 years of experience and a network of offices throughout the Netherlands, we are among the top five HR agencies in the country. We search and select for higher management and board member positions at both the executive and supervisory board level as well as specialising in interim and development. Everything we do is based on our genuine interest in people and organisations. Our consultants are discussion partners at the highest level. They understand your needs and are always thorough and targeted in their approach. In this approach, we combine a reliable, proven process with innovative modern tools and methods.
About Orion & Partners AS:
Headquartered in Oslo, Norway and with over 12 years of Executive Search experience within the Norwegian market, the company has established itself as one of the country’s leaders. It is about connecting the right people and businesses. Understanding our clients’ needs, culture, and strategic direction. And finding, attracting, and precisely recruiting the individuals who contribute to building the business further. That’s our mission. Insight and understanding are at the core of our expertise.
About Qualia Executive Search:
Headquartered in Bucharest, Romania, Qualia was founded in January 2005 by Floriana Enescu, Managing Director, and Ionut Balintoni, Managing Partner, both having over 10 years of experience in the field. It has a diversified practice within Executive Search, Personnel Evaluation and Organizational Analysis which allows it to serve a diversified group of clients in Romania.
About PIXCELL – Leaders recruiting leaders
With PIXCELL, your executive search will be in good hands. Our team of experienced headhunters will work with you every step of the way, from refining the job description to choosing the final candidate. We take the time to understand your unique business challenges, while ensuring a fast, rigorous, flexible, and efficient recruitment process. With our market intelligence and industry expertise, built up over years of experience in executive search in Canada and abroad, we ensure that you receive the best possible advice before, during and after the hiring process.
Article written by François Piché-Roy, CFR Global Executive Search Canada