Dedicated executive search consultants
In the right company
ED Executive Search (EDES) is a relationship-led executive search consultancy, offering highly personal services on a retained basis.
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Exceptional people tracking down
exceptional people
EDES is led by Neill Fry and Dan Watts, specialists with over 50 years of executive search consultancy experience between us. We have developed our skills and knowledge over three decades of seeking, attracting and liaising with leaders and senior managers at the top of their game.
We believe in the power of human connections and our ability to understand nuance, empathise and communicate with and without words. This is why we carry out in-depth investigations and make intuitive connections in a way no algorithm can replicate. For us, social media and technology are helpful tools, not the solutions.
Great connection is as important to us as great connections
Why not get in touch to see how we can help?
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Why partner with ED Executive
Search consultants
Senior hands-on service
Your relationship will always be with one or both of us. We don’t delegate this vital component to anyone else. We know what to ask you in order to distil those details that are difficult to capture on paper before we devise a bespoke search plan to meet your unique criteria.
Connection through conversation
Every Search assignment starts with identifying relevant sources. Firstly, we track down those people who know their sector inside out. By picking up the phone and having conversations with both industry leaders and prospective candidates, we spot what doesn’t show up on CVs: personality, motivations, and the more subtle qualities that underpin their leadership style.
It’s this level of human connection that enables us to compile a finely tuned and rigorously vetted shortlist for your consideration.
Highly proactive
We are true search consultants (and nice with it!).
Constantly monitoring our markets by keeping in contact with exceptional leaders we can quickly and efficiently target those who best fit your requirements. We often identify the less obvious but no less talented managers ready to take their first steps into senior leadership and non-executive roles.
Flexible, specialist resource at our fingertips
We know what a world class research methodology looks and feels like; developing thorough search plans with innovative and original research techniques, we also tap into specialist support from our wide network of resources, sources and connections all over the world.
We’re able to pursue leads via our extensive connections and global contacts until we find high calibre prospects with the precise skills you need, however niche or rare they may be.
Depth of understanding
We know your search assignment is unique, which is why we start by ensuring we understand your company’s culture, your long-term strategy, your equality, diversity and inclusion aspirations and the background to your search.
Backed, of course, by facts about your industry, products, services and market position. We don’t just read your brief; we absorb it and build on it.
Pinpoint accuracy
We believe in going further and mining under the surface to discover people with the talent, experience and track record that you need. No matter how specialist the skills or how scarce the profile you require, we will zero in on those who fit your brief.
We spend time getting to know potential candidates, gathering a detailed understanding of their aptitude, attitude, and approach so you can be sure that when we recommend someone, we have gone far beyond what you see on paper.
Consistent support throughout
Our work does not stop once the search is over. We will continue to work in close partnership with you throughout the interview and onboarding process to ensure a positive outcome for both parties.
NED/Chair practice
