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Get Matched with Executive Search Firms that Deliver
Clockwork ESE analyzes performance data to introduce you to firms with a proven track record of finding the kind of executives you want to hire.
Thinking about Hiring an Executive Search Firm? Start Here.
We introduce you to search firms best matched to your needs — based on real data, not guesswork.
Clockwork ESE helps:
- Talent Partners & Operating Partners at VC/PE firms
- Founders & CEOs of high-growth companies
- Heads of Talent or HR at scaling or enterprise organizations
- Anyone considering starting a retained search project
We start by understanding your search — the role, the context, and what success looks like.
Then we analyze anonymized data from over 100,000 search projects to identify the firms who’ve done that kind of work — and done it well.
We know who performs, where they specialize, and when their experience gives you an edge.
And we introduce you to the best-fit firms — fast, free, and with zero obligation.
Built by Experts Who Know Executive Search
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For 15 years, we've built the software that top executive recruiters rely on to run their searches.
Now, we're using that expertise to help companies find great executive search firms for their projects.
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Massive Proprietary Data We’ve built software used by some of the best executive search firms. This gives us exclusive access to anonymized performance data from 100,000+ real searches.
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Proven Track Records We recommend firms who’ve outperformed key benchmarks — not just completed similar searches, but delivered better results within their segment.
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Qualified Introductions You’ll get 2–3 firms with direct, recent, and successful experience in the exact kind of hire you need to make.
- Trusted. Confidential. Neutral. We don't sell ad space. We don't play favorites. Your information stays private, and we never expose a firm's client data.
- No Obligation. No Cost. We'll introduce you to great search firms with a proven track record placing the talent you're looking for. There's no fee and no obligation. Start your search today with our free consultation.
A Message From Our Founder
Hiring the wrong executive is one of the most expensive mistakes a company can make. At best, it delays growth. At worst, it sets you back years. That's why working with a great search firm is crucial for your key hires.
When you need a search firm, getting personal referrals from your network feels helpful — but they’re based on limited, personal experience, not market-wide performance. And they rarely come with a full understanding of what you need and what your company needs.
We built Clockwork ESE to change that. Our goal is to use data, experience, and expertise to introduce companies to search firms with a proven track record in the specific type of work required.
The firms we recommend aren’t chosen at random. They’ve demonstrated results in similar searches. They have experience that pays dividends — deep knowledge of the talent landscape, relevant relationships, and a head start others simply don’t have.
This doesn’t mean other firms aren’t great — but experience in a specific kind of search increases the likelihood of success. It shortens the timeline. It raises the bar.
When we introduce firms, we’ve validated that they’ve done the work. You’re not starting from scratch — you’re starting from confidence.
– Christian Spletzer, Founder
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Executive Search Benchmark Report
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The executive hiring landscape has changed dramatically — from pandemic-era freezes to hiring surges, layoffs, and now cautious growth. But one thing remains true: hiring the right executive search firm is critical. And getting it wrong? It's more common than you think — and far more costly.
Did you know that one in four executive search projects ends without a placement?
Most companies assume that hiring a search firm guarantees success — but the data tells a different story.
That’s why we analyzed over 100,000 retained executive search projects across industries, functions, and geographies to understand what really drives performance — and how clients can choose better.
In this report, you'll learn:
- How long executive search projects typically take — and how often they succeed
- What defines high-performing firms across efficiency and effectiveness
- How industry, function, and location impact your chances of success
- How to benchmark your search and select the right partner, the first time
Whether you’re hiring your first search firm or reassessing your current approach, this report gives you the data and clarity to make smarter, faster, more confident decisions.