HZ-Handelszeitung Award 2026, Interview with Erik Wirz - "The headhunter who gets it right the first time"

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As a Swiss executive search boutique founded in 2009, we fill board, C-level, and senior leadership positions—from CEO, CFO, and COO to CIO, CDO, and CISO. Our senior partners combine over 17 years of market knowledge and subject-matter expertise with a precise, multi-stage search methodology—ensuring fast, highly targeted placements and lasting impact.

 
Get to know us – and discover how we can strengthen your organisation.

Wirz & Partners has been recognized annually since 2020 by Handelszeitung/Statista as a Top 1% executive search firm in Switzerland—most recently again in 2026.

top-1

Our award confirms what clients have valued for years:
 
Wirz & Partners fills key positions discreetly, efficiently, and with a deep understanding of markets and corporate cultures.
From CEOs to HR leaders – we find the executives who drive your company’s success.

Functional Practice

What do you expect from a leading executive search firm?

Wirz & Partners provides you:


Efficient, straightforward and discreet handling of the mandate, with appropriate references, understanding of the current market situation within your industry, industry knowledge, industry best practice, understanding of the current company maturity, and understanding your corporate culture and business ethics.

 

What Sets Us Apart in Executive Search

 

 Wirz & Partners ranks among the top 1% of Swiss executive search firms, because...

 

  • our 10-person research team systematically and comprehensively scans every market

  • the positions we fill have a retention which is 2-3 times higher than the average.
  • with a female share of around 67% in our team, we deliberately foster diversity and embrace different perspectives. 
  • in 8 out of 10 cases the client entrusts us with follow-up mandates during the first mandate.
  • we close mandates in 4 months on average
  • in more than 90% of the mandates, we can create strategic added value for the client in the design of the search profile through our industry and/or subject competence.
  • in 30% of the mandates, the shortlist is so good that the client creates new positions, and this leads to multiple appointments.

 

Why Wirz & Partners?

Here’s What Our Clients Say:

  • From the very beginning we received personal and competent advice, especially when defining the search profile.
  • We were particularly impressed by the efficient use of our time and resources.
  • Wirz & Partners helped us develop a comprehensive candidate profile and found the perfect candidate for us.
  • Their in-depth knowledge of the labour market helped us to quickly create an attractive job profile.
  • All the candidates we interviewed met our requirements, not only professionally but also personally.
  • What really sets Wirz & Partners apart is their commitment to understanding our values and challenges.
  • They produced meaningful case studies that helped us greatly in our decision-making process.
  • Their matchmaking enabled us to find our ideal candidate after only a few initial interviews.

What our candidates say

 

Our work doesn’t end with filling a position—it begins with the very first conversation. The candidates we approach also value our way of working: personal, transparent, and on equal footing. This is reflected in their feedback.

“The approach by Wirz & Partners was professional, respectful, and well prepared—I felt supported in a highly competent and trustworthy manner at all times.”

 

– Candidate, executive search mandate


 

4,9 / 5

Star Ratings on Google

Based on over 70 reviews  

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How we find and select leaders 

 

 Learn how Wirz & Partners systematically fills board, C-level and key positions —

from identifying suitable leaders and approaching them discreetly to making a well-founded selection using our

image-png-May-27-2026-08-13-06-8968-AM-method. 

In the following videos, you will gain additional insights into selected aspects of our search and selection process. 

Typical triggers for a mandate

 

  •  Succession planning for board or C-level positions 
  • Expansion into new markets 
  • IPO preparation 
  • Restructuring or stabilisation 
  •  Expansion into new markets 
  •  Digital transformation or AI strategy 
  •  Resignation of a key position 
  •  Change in shareholding structure 

Local market knowledge as a key to success in executive search

 

We handle executive search assignments in all major economic regions of Switzerland 

With our in-depth market knowledge and strong regional presence, we ensure that we fill leadership positions effectively and sustainably.

In addition, we support select clients in the DACH region as well as in international contexts within EMEA.

Find the Right Leader with Wirz & Partners 

Over 17 years of experience · 6× awarded · 4.9★ on Google · Retention 3× above market average

 

As an experienced executive search firm for C-level and key positions in Switzerland, we support companies discreetly, efficiently, and with deep industry expertise. Whether succession planning, growth, or digital transformation – we identify the leaders who secure your success.

 

 Clarity in Executive Search 

 

 Answers to the questions that matter most when making leadership decisions. 

FAQ