Services

There can hardly be a more challenging business climate than the time we live in. The globalization trend of the past decades resulted in a global system of wealth creation in which production was strongly concentrated in Asia, whose citizens are keen savers. Production was targeted at export to the mature economies, which indulged in debt-driven consumption based on asset price appreciations. The system was stimulated to the limit, with apparent imbalances being obscured through monetary policy and financial engineering. The recent economic shocks to the financial markets have spilled over into the real economy, resulting in a global recession and slowing economic activity across the globe, to a degree never before experienced in post-war history. In these times good counsel and advice is in high demand from businesses as well as public institutions. Professional services firms provide advice and assistance to businesses and other organizations on management issues, such as strategic and organizational planning, restructuring and cost reduction, post-merger integration, financial auditing and tax advice.

What skills are needed now?

Professional services is very much a people business, with the analysis and judgements offered by the consultants directly determining the quality of the service provided. The ability to make insightful decisions about talent in the professional services sector is an enduring source of competitive advantage, and also a management challenge. We concentrate on helping clients achieve this advantage through the identification, assessment and recruitment of talented professionals with exceptional potential and motivation for the sector.

How can Egon Zehnder International support the professional services industry?

We have worked with a diverse group of successful firms, ranging from international strategic consulting firms and accounting companies to smaller boutique firms and sophisticated education providers. Through our experience we have found that within the professional services sector, successful recruitment hinges on assessing measurable competencies as well as judging the cultural fit between an individual and a consulting firm. Analytical skills, problem-solving and a certain intellectual tenacity are qualities often sought after by top consulting firms, but the personal “click” between a candidate and an organization is equally important for a successful recruitment.

We have extensive experience of working with professional services firms. Our ability to leverage our global Professional Services Practice, which includes consultants with primary expertise in consulting, enables us to assemble a global team that assures our clients the optimum solution.

How we operate

Of all the consultants at Egon Zehnder International, over 40 percent have a background in consulting, giving them an in-depth knowledge of the industry.

Over the past 5 years, we have completed more than 400 searches, working with clients on senior engagement manager positions as well as partner opportunities. Our client base is international and our searches regularly have cross-border elements.