Executive search for boards and C-level

First we understand your company. Then we search for the person.

Wirz & Partners has been placing board members and executive management since 2009. Recognized annually since 2020 as one of the top 1 % of executive search firms (Handelszeitung/Statista), most recently in 2026.

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99%

of our mandates are filled with a candidate from the first shortlist. No rebriefing, no second round.

Ø 4 months

is the average time from briefing to signed contract. No rebriefing and no restart of the search.

3 times

the executives we place stay in their roles three times longer than the market average.

8 out of 10

clients give us a further mandate after their first appointment.

Award: Handelszeitung / Statista. Duration and retention are averages; individual mandates may differ.

Where are you in your leadership decision?

You don’t need to have a complete role profile to get started.

We’re defining the challenge

We need to plan a succession, support growth or navigate organisational change.

Next step Explore your situation

We know which role we need

We are looking for a board member, CEO, CFO or another senior leader.

Next step Explore relevant roles

We want to understand the approach

We want to know how Wirz & Partners works and how candidates are assessed.

Next step Explore W-SCIAF

Selection

The standard choice is the obvious one. The right decision is Wirz & Partners.

Whether it is a succession, a change of direction or a search that has not yet succeeded: we take on your mandate with the aim of understanding your challenge as well as you do. We speak openly and introduce you to individuals who can make a real difference to your organisation.

Mandate profile. We fill board, CEO, CFO, COO, CIO, CDO and CISO roles, as well as other board- and C-level positions. We work with boards of directors and executive management teams across the DACH region.

Triggers

  • Succession planning
  • IPO preparation
  • Digital transformation and AI strategy
  • Expansion into new markets
  • Restructuring
  • Departure of a key person
  • Change in shareholder structure
  • Growth
  • M&A
  • Performance deficits in leadership
  • Relocation
“Finding someone with the right technical skills is easy, but finding someone who also has the right soft skills and values is a major challenge. That is where Wirz & Partners differs from its competitors, because in my opinion its approach is more likely to succeed.”
CEO, software company

Our approach

You want to meet outstanding individuals and be able to rely on a clear recommendation. With our W-SCIAF method, we guide you from the first discussion of the role through to the appointment, with an open view of every candidate and a well-founded judgement.

View the methodology
01

Context Mastery

Before the first approach we clarify the role, organisation, stakeholder dynamics and candidate market across six dimensions.

02

Direct outreach

We approach people in the market directly, including those who are not looking for a job. Published teasers never name the client.

03

Traceable selection

An individual analysis per candidate and a comparison matrix lay the criteria side by side. Interviews are prepared and moderated.

04

Decision with a Plan B

On average 2.8 finalists, with a Plan B in place from the beginning, through to the appointment.

Clients

What remains is trust.

At least seven of the companies in our reference cases have commissioned more than one search. As of October 2026.

Quotations from W&P reference cases. Clients are not named.

Screenshot 2026-05-22 121349

Access

“You don’t build a network like this overnight. That is what truly sets them apart.”
Head of Global IT, industrial company
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Advice that challenges

“Their calmness and thoughtfulness impressed me. And they didn’t simply accept our requirements profile; they thought it through with us.”
Board President, public-sector organisation
6151

Reliability

“The biggest surprise was that there were no surprises.”
CEO, hygiene-products manufacturer
6157

Understanding

“In the conversation, I immediately felt: he understands how our world works.”
Executive Management member, precision-measurement manufacturer
6149

Traceability

“The entire process was very transparent. I could always understand why particular candidates were in the process and how the selection came about.”
Board Chair, laboratory-services provider
5983

Repeat business

“We didn’t even consider other providers.”
Director Solution Sales, software company
Screenshot 2026-05-28 091524

Relationship

“You always stay in touch with me to understand what is changing in the company and to be prepared for future opportunities. I really value your proactive communication.”
Managing Director, medical diagnostics

Market insights

Your business is on our mind.

What is changing your industry? What leadership questions does that raise? In our research, articles and conversations, we explore what matters to boards and executive teams.

What questions are on your mind?

We know what needs to change, but the exact role is still open. Can we still talk to you?

Yes. Many mandates begin with a business question. Together, we clarify the leadership role that arises from it and the kind of person you need for it. You do not need to come with a finished search profile. 

Do you also reach executives who would not apply?

Yes. We approach suitable individuals directly, even if they are not currently planning a move. What matters is whether your role offers them a compelling perspective. 

How can we be confident in our choice?

You receive a clear assessment of each finalist and a well-founded comparison. We prepare the interviews with you and explore in depth what matters for your decision. We also address any reservations openly. .

How quickly can we expect an appointment?

With an unchanged brief, our mandates take four months on average. We agree a concrete timeline for your search. We consider alternatives from the outset, so the process is prepared for possible withdrawals. 

Can we prepare a sensitive succession confidentially?

Yes. We agree with you who receives which information and when. Candidates are approached selectively. If a public mandate teaser is used, your company remains unnamed. 

What does executive search cost, and when is it worthwhile?

The fee depends on the role and scope of the mandate and is stated in the first meeting. A search is worthwhile when the cost of a poor appointment exceeds the fee. W&P does not compete on price. The mandate is won on the method.

Looking for a leadership role yourself? Visit our page for candidates.

FAQ

Contact

Tell us what you have in mind.

An upcoming succession, a vacant key position or a leadership question that concerns you: we take the time to understand your situation.

Briefly describe your needs, and we will get in touch to arrange an initial conversation.

  • Which position needs to be filled?
  • What triggers the search?
  • By when should the position be filled?
+41 44 515 02 60 info@w-gruppe.com