We know what great leadership looks like.
We go deep — in our research, with our proprietary technology, and in how we build trusted partnerships. We bring clarity, pace, and persistence to every search. We always close our projects. And we don’t just promise results — we stand by them, with one of the longest placement guarantees and highest success rates on the market.
Everything we do is designed to enable our clients to consistently hire the very best people and help them successfully scale and transform their businesses.
Key Search is a boutique Executive Search firm with a unique track record in hiring top executives for well-known brands and start-ups in the digital space. We have many years experience in Marketplaces, eCommerce. We are passionate about attracting and hiring exceptional leadership talent and matching it with great companies. We are sure we can help you, too.
Quality
We are on a mission to give you the best executive search experience hiring consistently the very best people to scale and transform your business.
Transparency
Thanks to our tools and access to real time data we are able to increase transparency and efficiency. We combine data and insights to help clients make the best hiring decisions.
Guarantee
Every search we are doing is protected with a replacement guarantee when needed, giving you the assurance of shared responsibility for success.
Successful leader placements in 18+ industries
94% closing all searches successfully
And we don’t just promise results — we stand by them, with one of the longest placement guarantees and highest success rates on the market.
Female
Founded
Leadership Hires
Global
Reach
We are close to you all the way.
Our team is located across Europe with experts in 12 major European cities and in the US.
How we work
With our Insights Platform, custom tools and up-to-the-minute data at our fingertips, we’re cranking up transparency and efficiency to make sure you’re making the smartest hiring choices.
01
Kick off
We will guide you through an in-depth briefing to ensure clear expectations. A detailed candidate briefing document is designed to increase response rates and interest in the role.
02
Market Mapping
We follow a complete and highly transparent research methodology. Regular calls help to advise on potential adjustments at any moment.
03
Outreach
We proactively reach out to the best candidates and share the status with you 24/7 with our own proprietary insights tool.
04
Interviewing
We interview all candidates and assess suitability, motivation and affordability. Part of the interview phase is a Big 5 Psychometric test to ensure that candidates are behaviourally and cognitively suited for the role.
05
Offer Management
We assist (as appropriate) during the offer phase by taking references, making salary recommendations and strategising on closing candidates. We share salary bands according to our own market data.
06
Pre-onboarding
We continue to foster our relationship with the employed Candidate by celebrating the next step in their career and making the transition as smooth as possible.
Behind every great hire, there’s a great team.
FAQs
Finding the right leader is a big move. We’ve compiled the most common questions we get so you’re equipped with everything you need to take the next step.
How fast can an executive search firm find candidates?
From the start of the search to successful placement, Key Search typically completes leadership hires within 12 weeks, with 30 days to shortlist, although building a high-quality shortlist can take several weeks. Timelines can vary depending on the complexity of the role, the location, and the market conditions.
What makes Key Search different from other executive search firms?
Key Search specializes in high-growth environments, combining data, deep research, and real human insight. Our retained model is milestone-based, our team is diverse and international, and our track record speaks for itself: we deliver high-quality leadership hires with speed and precision.
When is the right time to use an executive search agency vs. hiring internally?
Use an executive search firm when the role is business-critical, requires specialized expertise, or when the talent isn’t easily accessible through your internal networks. Executive search is especially valuable when confidentiality, diversity, or speed is essential. Internal hiring is best suited for mid-level roles or when you already have a strong talent pipeline.