For the houses that hire
How to hire the seat that matters.
How to hire a CFO, CMO, CTO, COO or CEO: what the role actually needs, how the search runs, and what it costs. Written for the houses that hire, on a No Cure, No Pay model.
Guides by role
5 rolesWhat each seat actually needs, how the search is run, and where hires go wrong.
Finance
How to Hire a CFO
To hire a CFO, define the mandate first: fundraising, scaling, M&A, or turnaround all need different profiles. Then reach the finance leaders who fit it. The strongest CFOs are employed and not looking, so a hire usually means a targeted, often confidential search rather than a job post.
Read the guideMarketing & Growth
How to Hire a CMO
To hire a CMO, decide first whether you need brand or growth leadership: the two profiles differ sharply. Then reach the marketing leaders who fit. The best are driving results elsewhere and won't answer a listing, so a strong hire usually comes through a targeted search.
Read the guideOperations
How to Hire a COO
To hire a COO, first define the number-two you actually need (an operations leader, a scaling partner, or a broad second-in-command), since the role varies enormously. Because a COO's value is fit with a specific CEO, the search is relationship-led and usually confidential.
Read the guideTechnology
How to Hire a CTO
To hire a CTO, decide whether you need a hands-on technical leader or a strategic org-builder (the stage determines which), then reach the engineering leaders who fit. The strongest are employed and cautious about who they talk to, so a CTO hire is usually a discreet, targeted search.
Read the guideLeadership
How to Hire a CEO
Hiring a CEO is the board's most consequential and most confidential appointment. It means defining the mandate (growth, turnaround, succession), then running a discreet, board-led search for a proven leader. CEO roles are never publicly listed; the shortlist is built from reputation and relationships.
Read the guideFrom the other side of the table
By sector
On hiring
- How does No Cure, No Pay hiring work?
- How much does an executive search firm cost?
- Retained vs contingency search: what's the difference?
- What does an executive search firm actually do?
- How long does executive search take?
- Headhunter vs recruiter: what's the difference?
- How do you choose an executive search firm?
- How does a confidential executive search work?
- What does a bad executive hire cost?
No Cure, No Pay.
A success fee owed only on a signed hire — no retainer, no upfront — backed by a guarantee set out in your agreement. You see a short list of exceptional people, or you pay nothing.
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