Executive Search and Recruitment for Owner-Led Businesses (SMEs)
In owner-led companies, hiring a leader is rarely 'just' a recruitment - it is a strategic choice that impacts culture, operations, finances, and the owner's time.
Executive Search in an SME requires more than finding a skilled leader. It demands a leader who fits the owner-manager's reality, the company's culture, and the operational day-to-day, where the pace is high and decisions are made close to the action.
Since 2007, we have helped hundreds of owner-led companies recruit C- and D-level leaders who can deliver results while safeguarding the values upon which the company is built.
What makes us different
- Analysis – We get to know you: the owner's level of ambition, the company's culture, financial situation, and the requirements of the role. Owner-led companies are diverse - the analysis is crucial.
- Search – Direct contact with relevant candidates, especially from a network of leaders who thrive specifically in SMEs.
- Advertising – Only if it makes sense - many SME roles are best filled through discreet search.
- Selection – In-depth interviews, case studies, and cultural/value matching. A leader can be competent but still a poor match for an SME.
- The Final Stage – Presentation of candidates, reference checks, and assistance in the decision-making process. We also help with onboarding to ensure a strong start.
- When the company needs to take the next step in its growth journey
- When a leader is needed who can provide structure, scale operations, and create an overview
- When culture and values are critical for success
- When the company is in the midst of a generational succession
- When the owner wants to strengthen the organization - but not lose their grip on its direction
- When the company requires discretion
- Loss of revenue and momentum
- Increased burden on the owner and the existing leadership team
- Cultural disruption - critical in smaller organizations
- Time spent restarting the process from scratch
- Loss of key employees who lose direction
- Mis-hires hit SMEs harder than large corporations
Up to a 12-month guarantee on Executive Search
Partner involvement throughout the entire process - from briefing to onboarding
18+ years of experience in recruiting for owner-led businesses
High success rate in placing leaders who excel both strategically and operationally
A single, dedicated consultant throughout the entire process
Honest advisory - we say no when necessary
A deep network of candidates who fit the SME culture
Documented quality and strong results
A focus on relationships and trust, not volume
Looking for something else?
Board and chair recruitment
We help you compose competent boards with the right mix of experience and diversity.
Executive and generational change
An executive or generational change is one of the most critical decisions in an owner-managed company.
Interim Management
Experienced interim leaders ready in 1-2 weeks for acute situations, transformations and transition periods.
Recruitment for the public sector
Recruitment of leaders for municipalities, regions and interest organisations with understanding of the political context.
Examples of Successful Placements
New CEO in an owner-led company (200+ employees)
We conducted an in-depth analysis of the culture, strategy, and organizational needs. Within 8 weeks, we presented four strong candidates. The selected CEO remains in the role today - 6 years later.
COO recruitment for an owner-led growth company
The process required full discretion and a candidate who could work closely with the owner and take operational responsibility from day one. The solution was a leader who quickly established direction and improved cross-departmental collaboration.
C-level recruitment for an SME with turnaround needs
Through a close analysis of the strategy, market situation, and the owner's ambitions, we identified a candidate with significant turnaround experience. The company experienced improved performance and renewed direction shortly after the placement.
Matching and onboarding of a key leader in an SME
Through a thorough analysis of culture, values, and internal dynamics, we selected candidates who matched both in terms of skills and personality. The chosen leader is still with the company and has created stability and positive team development.
What clients say
Efter et godt planlagt forløb med Holmgaard Management, hvor virksomhedens aktuelle situation kom i centrum, endte vi med at få præsenteret flere dygtige kandidater der var meget præcist castet til at udfylde stillingen gennem forskellige tilgange. Vi fik dermed synliggjort hvilken profil der for os var den helt rigtige, og stillingen blev besat af den helt rigtige kandidat.
Kristoffer Wendelboe Jensen, CEO
Ready to find the right leader?
Book a no-obligation consultation and learn how we can help you find the right leader for your company.