High demand for Executive Search

Although the last two quarters of 2007 saw a downturn in the US economy, revenues for the international Executive Search industry rose 22%. With expert recruitment clearly in high demand, we talk to Donald Strathdee, search partner at global recruitment specialist Source People.

It would be fair to say that many individuals will never be contacted or come into contact with an Executive Search specialist ñ these recruitment detectives, who live in a world of confidential business meetings and global travel, are at the top of their game and in pursuit of the best of the best.

Based in Aberdeen but with a global remit, over the past 25 years Donald has specialised in international search assignments for major Oil and Gas companies in North America, Europe, Middle East and North Africa, the Caspian, West Africa and Asia Pacific. This has covered senior technical, commercial and managerial roles within exploration, production, transportation, refining and marketing sectors.

Formerly an industry where much of the negotiation was done in secrecy, Executive Search is starting to step out from behind the veil explains Donald: ìHistorically the world of Executive Search has been lacking transparency, something which we aim to do differently at Source. The ëcandidatesí who are potentially moving job obviously need a level of confidentiality, as does the ëclientí who is seeking to fill a high caliber vacancy, but the process of bringing the two together can be achieved more effectively when all parties are kept in the loop.î

This new transparency perhaps adding to the appeal and hence the Executive Search division at Source is experience high demand. Donald continues: ìThe recruitment market is again buoyant after a slow start to the year, with our Executive Search services, particularly within the oil and gas market, experiencing rapid growth.î

Given an exclusive brief by a company, usually for a very senior level appointment, Donald will then use his extensive lists of contacts and industry insiders worldwide to identify and track down potential candidates.

ìIn all the complexities of industrial and commercial operations, the focus always comes back to people - success depends on putting the right people in the right positions. Finding that person calls for a wide range of skills. We have to understand how the company works, its business model, be aware of market forces and when you are operating in a global context intercultural issues must also be taken into account.

ìThere has to be a partnership between the ëclientí and the person performing the Executive Search, with clear objectives set out right from the beginning and informative updates on progress given throughout - working closely is vital.

ìA clear understanding of the ëcandidateísí career desires and lifestyle is also fundamental. For example, I was recently asked to find candidates for a director level role within a blue-chip company in Switzerland whereby all of the short-listed candidates were looking at relocation had they been offered the role. This can be a life changing decision for a person to make and many are also asking their families to make the move ñ people can not be expected to make these types of decision if they feel left in the dark.î

Sourceís Executive Search division specialise in recruiting for the finance, legal, HR and engineering markets within the global oil and gas industry. To find out more visit the website