"Big 5" Generalist Firms
These five firms conduct a large share of corporate retained search assignments and are active in most industries and disciplines. They are generally not as easily accessible as smaller firms and prefer to find candidates using their own referral network. These firms bill in the $100 - 250 million range annually.

Egon Zehnder

Large generalist firm with 300 consultants, operating from more than 60 wholly owned offices in 38 countries, Egon Zehnder specializes in financial services, consumer, life sciences, technology & telecoms, industrial services, and private capital.

Heidrick & Struggles

For more than 50 years, Heidrick & Struggles has specialized in chief executive, board member, and senior-level management search assignments for a wide variety of clients, including multinational corporations, mid-cap and startup companies, nonprofit entities, educational institutions, foundations, associations, and governmental units.

Korn/Ferry International

Since 1969, Korn/Ferry has conducted 100,000 senior-level searches worldwide. Korn/Ferry Executive Search consultants are based in more than 70 offices across North America, Europe, Asia/Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East and, South Africa.

Russell Reynolds

Russell Reynolds Associates is a global executive search and assessment firm. They focus on executive level positions, enabling their recruiters to concentrate solely on the universe of senior executives.

Spencer Stuart*

Nearly 300 consultants are organized in practices and work in teams across international boundaries. Spencer Stuart operates out of 50 offices in 25 countries.

Firms that are starred (*) post positions on the SOM alumni job posting board.