Executive Search

We support hiring organizations on leadership appointments at Executive Committee (ExCo) and senior management level, helping them to find and position C-suite (CXOs) and other mission-critical executives. And as organizations transform, we support their quest for senior executives in strategic, innovation, digital and marketing roles. 

We have developed a distinct research process involving broad and deep candidate sourcing. Our One Firm approach fosters a constant information change between our team members. Combined with our wide coverage, this collaboration generates a 360-degree picture of each candidate.

Our process

Our in-depth desk research draws on a proprietary database of almost 100,000 names and other online sources. It is complemented by networking and intelligence gathering via third party calls. This comprehensive approach to market sourcing directs us towards the most suitable candidates and provides extensive referencing upfront. We are able to highlight the most relevant individuals before approaching them. We have identified and relocated executives globally: from mainland Europe, North America, Asia and Australia. 

  • Engagement and briefing 
  • Creation of a draft job specification for approval: the template for our search strategy 
  • Search begins following three axes i) desk research (public sources such as company websites and LinkedIn), ii) our proprietary database iii) calls to third party market sources for insights, commentary and recommendations on potential candidates
  • Construction of thoughtful, tailored and relevant longlists and shortlists for client agreement 
  • Approach to candidates for an initial interview, producing detailed candidate reports ahead of formal interviews 
  • Management of the full interview process, coordinating, relaying client and candidate feedback. Cross comparison of candidates, standing down rejected candidates in a timely and sensitive manner 
  • Guidance in setting the employment conditions, remuneration, other benefits, intervention in the negotiation with the final candidate as necessary. 
  • Completion. Appointment and support in onboarding
  • We maintain open communication throughout to ensure a successful and long-lasting appointment.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Our long-standing policy to build balanced, inclusive candidate lists is served by our connection to diversity networks. Since 2013, 44% of all Longwater appointments have been female and 15% from minority ethnic backgrounds.