Linkage's executive search practice, Linkage Executive Advisors, is a unique search practice. Our world class executive search and interim leadership expertise is grounded in our deep and profound knowledge of human resources, leadership and talent management consulting. This alliance allows us to carefully tailor each engagement with your future state as our primary objective.
Our Approach to Executive Search Is Simple
- We help your company align talent strategy with business focus
- The foundation of a great executive search result centers on a depth of company knowledge and cultural understanding
- We help you build great executive teams through our ability to acquire great leadership capital
- We strongly believe that nothing impacts the bottom line more than excellent talent
We are quite pleased with the service you have provided -- your professionalism and wise guidance on our Directors' search was impeccable, and your expertise in Human Resources has been invaluable to this search.
-- Wieland Wettstein, Chairman, Denbury Resources
My experience with the Linkage executive search team has been extraordinary. They were extremely professional, client-focused, and results-driven throughout the entire search process. A key differentiator has been their continued follow-up post-search – a clear demonstration of their commitment to success.
-- Terry Gill, Senior Vice President, Corporate Services, ARC Resources Ltd.
Recent Successes
- McKesson Corporation's CEO retained Linkage in 2008 to search for their next global head of HR, as their current HR leader had announced plans to retire. The organization, currently #18 on the Fortune 500 list, sought a business-focused HR leader who could navigate McKesson's complex structure and foster strong relationships with leaders to execute the game plan. Linkage completed the search in the spring and McKesson's new global head of HR is in place
- Denbury Resources, an $8B capitalized, growing player in the oil and gas industry retained Linkage's services to secure two additional directors to their board at the beginning of 2008. Through our discussions with the board and management team, Linkage was also engaged to place their first-ever executive of human resources. The search was completed, and the new VP of HR immediately began developing Denbury's HR strategy
- A privately held consumer products company in western Canada recently engaged Linkage to locate their next SVP of Human Resources. The business is expanding rapidly, and talent management strategy has become the primary focus for the future. The search was successfully completed last month and an HR transformation is underway
Our Process Is Thorough
Stage 1. Understand Context and the Surrounding Executive Stakeholders
- Profile the position, the need, the characteristics for "best fit"
- Interview key stakeholders with current and future state in mind
- Assess executive team and particularly executive reporting structure
- Assess executive context: subordinates, superiors, vital interfaces (Board, etc.)
- Deep understanding of strategy for the position and its deliverables
Stage 2. Conduct the Search: Profile the Role and Research Candidates
- Corporate overview and organizational structure
- Corporate culture: Organizational personality, philosophy, traditions
- Position details: Functional accountabilities and expectations
- Character attributes: Personality and integrity
- Executive compensation
- Leadership identification
- Background gathering
- Target candidates
- Reference/Background qualifications
Stage 3. Present Candidates and Assist in Selection
- Select and assess final candidates
- Facilitate executive interviews and meetings
- Coach client and executive through selection and negotiation
- Coordinate executive offer and compensation parameters
- Close deal and begin assimilation process