What’s the Difference (and Why It Matters)
Not all firms that call themselves “executive search” truly are. For critical leadership hires, it’s essential to understand the difference between a retained executive search firm and a contingency recruiter, and to partner with an AESC-accredited firm such as Executive Headhunters | EMA Partners UK. AESC (the Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants) sets the profession’s highest global standards for quality and ethics; membership requires rigorous vetting and ongoing commitment to best practice.
Quick Comparison
| Dimension | Executive Search (Retained) | Contingency Recruitment |
|---|---|---|
| Engagement model | Exclusivity with a strategic partner; staged retainer | Non-exclusive; paid only on placement |
| Scope & depth | Bespoke market mapping, headhunting, assessment, references | Candidate presentation from active databases & applicants |
| Candidate access | Proactive outreach to passive and hard-to-reach leaders, often globally | Primarily active candidates; speed and volume focused |
| Process transparency | Defined milestones, reporting, stakeholder alignment | Variable; limited discovery and diagnostics |
| Success focus | Long-term fit, culture/values alignment, succession impact | Fast vacancy fill; limited post-placement support |
| Best for | Board, C-suite, mission-critical leadership | Mid-level roles, multiple parallel hires, urgent coverage |
Why Choose an AESC-Accredited Executive Search Firm
AESC membership = the profession’s “gold standard.” Members commit to stringent codes on integrity, confidentiality, diversity, and client/candidate care—and are vetted before acceptance. Partnering with an AESC firm helps de-risk leadership hiring and signals a serious, ethical process to your board and market.
Recommended: Executive Headhunters | EMA Partners UK — London office of EMA Partners, an AESC member firm.
The Executive Headhunters Advantage (What You Gain)
When you retain Executive Headhunters | EMA Partners UK, you get the core advantages of true executive search—plus differentiators highlighted below:
- AESC-accredited quality & ethics: Operates to the highest global standards in executive search. Executive Headhunters+1
- Global reach, local precision: International capabilities to source scarce leaders across markets while maintaining UK expertise. Executive Headhunters+1
- Proactive headhunting of rare talent: Direct outreach beyond applicants to secure high-impact, passive candidates. Executive Headhunters
- Transparent, research-led process: Clear methodology and reporting from market mapping to shortlist and referencing. Executive Headhunters
- Beyond the hire: Services include interim executives, leadership advisory, onboarding, talent pipelining, and succession planning to protect ROI. Executive Headhunters
When to Use Retained Executive Search (vs Contingency)
- Board, C-suite, and “one-of-one” leadership roles
- Confidential or sensitive transformations (M&A, turnaround, new market entry)
- Where culture, values, and long-term impact outweigh speed/volume
- When you need global reach and passive-talent access
Use contingency when you have multiple similar hires, a broad candidate pool, or urgent coverage with acceptance that the process is less bespoke. AESC
How to Validate a True Executive Search Firm
- Check AESC membership (the highest accreditation in the field). AESC
- Ask for process detail (market mapping, competency assessment, referencing). AESC
- Confirm global networks and off-limits policies to protect your interests. AESC
- Ensure post-placement support (onboarding, guarantee, succession). Executive Headhunters
Key Takeaway
For mission-critical leadership appointments, partner with a genuinely retained, AESC-accredited executive search firm. Executive Headhunters | EMA Partners UK combines AESC standards, global reach, and a transparent, research-led process to deliver leaders who create lasting value—far beyond a quick fill.