Executive Search

For Family-Owned and Privately Held Companies

Many executive search firms focus solely on filling roles, but at Richter, our Executive Search service is not just about hiring for a position; it’s about finding the right solution for your business. Especially when navigating the complexities of family-owned or privately held enterprises, hiring decisions for key leadership positions matter greatly. Richter’s Executive Search professionals are here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring that the right person is in place to drive your vision forward.

Why work with an Executive Search team?

Unlike recruitment or talent acquisition, where candidates apply for a posted role, an Executive Search is proactive, strategic, and much more selective. It’s about identifying high-caliber senior leadership who align with your vision and can bring tangible value to your business. An Executive Search professional will do the headhunting for you, to find and screen promising candidates confidentially, saving you precious time by removing the initial search and conversations from your plate.

Why choose Richter for your next Executive Search?

As a Business | Family Office, we understand how leadership decisions – and the people in those positions – can impact not only your business but also the legacy built by you and your family. What sets us apart is our deep understanding of family dynamics, emotions, and the unique challenges of running a privately-owned business. We consider how a new leader will affect organizational design, future strategy, and intertwine with family dynamics. We specialize in managing the delicate balance between family interests and business goals, ensuring the right fit for both.

• A Business-Family Lens: Many of our clients are trying to navigate the sensitivities of succession planning and generational transitions with the need for external leadership expertise (leaders outside the family who possess the skills needed to take the business through its next chapter). We understand emotions can influence decision making in scenarios such as this, so it’s important for us to maintain relationships within the family while finding a candidate who will take care of the business as if it was their own; helping propel the family legacy, not hinder it.
• Holistic Approach, Integrated Services: With in-house experts across areas like human capital management, organizational design and growth strategy, valuations, and succession planning, we have a 360-degree view of your needs. As a team, we’re not just focused on finding the right new hire; we’re here to help ensure your organization is structured for long-term success and growth.
• Future-Focused: We help you anticipate future needs, considering not just the immediate role but where the company is heading. Whether you’re preparing for a sale, expansion, or generational transition, we ensure that the executive brought in is equipped to take the company to the next level.

How is Richter’s approach unique?  

At Richter, we do things differently by understanding your business from every angle. We dig deep into your company’s culture, strategic goals, and unique challenges to deliver candidates who not only have the right skills but also align with your values. Here’s how we differentiate ourselves:

1. Positioning: Hiring isn’t just about the position itself, it’s about understanding the full scope of your business needs, mapping out your strategic goals, and identifying the missing success factors that will make the difference in driving your company’s future. We ask the right questions to uncover what your company truly needs, helping you map out a clear path forward. Our job is to ensure the right leadership will advance your strategic objectives and complement your company’s culture.
2. Tailored Search: We start with a thorough needs assessment to understand your goals, culture, and current challenges. From there, we build a customized search strategy, ensuring we find candidates who meet the technical requirements and will support your organizational vision.
3. Strategic Fit, Not Just Skills: We believe that the right executive should fit your company’s culture, values, and growth aspirations. Whether it’s an experienced CEO to take the company through an international expansion or a high-level manager to scale your operations quickly, we ensure every candidate we present has the skillset to execute your long-term strategic vision.
4. Navigating Family Dynamics: When working with family businesses, the emotional and psychological factors cannot be overlooked. We understand the complexities of family business relationships and how these dynamics affect decision-making and leadership. We help bridge the gap between generational leadership and professional management, ensuring a smooth transition that honours both family and business priorities.
5. Beyond the Search: Our job isn’t done when the new executive is hired. We continue to support you and your business, post-hire, helping ensure the new leader integrates smoothly and succeeds in their role. Our ongoing follow-ups ensure the transition is positive and compatible with your company’s evolving needs.

When should you consider collaborating with Richter?

Every business faces unique challenges that require the right leadership at the right time. Common situations our clients are navigating include, but are not limited to:

• Business expansion — Whether entering a new market or diversifying your offering, the right leaders can help guide that expansion.
• Vacancy or Transition — If an executive departs or you need to rethink your organizational structure, we will help you find the right person to fill the leadership gap.
• Preparing for an Exit — Succession or transition planning requires careful planning and can take years to execute smoothly. We help ensure that the leadership you bring in will drive continued success after a sale or transition.
• New Business Ventures — Whether you’re starting a new service line or acquiring a new company, the right leadership is key to successfully navigating these changes.

Whether you are planning for growth, succession, or simply need the right leadership to propel your business forward, Richter’s Executive Search team brings a sophisticated, comprehensive approach to leadership recruitment. We are committed to finding the best fit for your leadership needs, ensuring the long-term growth and prosperity of your business, and the continued success of your legacy.

Interested in learning more? Richter’s Executive Search is here to help you.  

See also:

• Human capital consulting
• Next Generation Planning and Preparation
• The Summit Series: The Turnaround