Executive Search: Recruiting Senior Executives in France and internationally
Executive Search: Recruiting Senior Executives in France and internationally
Since 1990, GBO has supported French, German and international companies in the recruitment of senior executives and strategic operational leaders. Our firm has established itself as a recognised reference among executive search firms thanks to proven expertise, a deep understanding of European economic environments and a rigorous practice of direct search.
As an executive search firm, we support international groups, family-owned mid-sized companies, industrial and technology SMEs, consulting firms and organisations undergoing transformation that require structured leadership capable of delivering immediate impact.
Our expertise particularly benefits companies seeking leaders capable of operating across French-speaking and German-speaking markets, while meeting the governance and performance standards expected by international organisations.
Why work with an executive search firm
In an increasingly competitive talent landscape, executive search has become a strategic lever for identifying, approaching and evaluating leaders capable of shaping the future performance of an organisation.
Companies today seek highly qualified profiles with strong sector expertise, solid intercultural understanding, adaptability and proven experience in leading complex transformations.
Working with an executive search firm such as GBO guarantees a confidential, structured and results-oriented recruitment process. Our consultants bring a global market perspective, an international network and a selection methodology based on rigorous analysis of competencies, leadership capabilities and cultural alignment.
As a Franco-German executive search firm, GBO has established itself as a strategic partner for organisations seeking to secure a critical recruitment, discreetly replace a senior executive or strengthen their governance.
With a dual European presence and strong experience in cross-border business environments, we operate directly in France and Germany and recruit experienced leaders for French-speaking and German-speaking markets.
While GBO operates directly in France, Germany and across French-speaking and German-speaking markets thanks to its bicultural teams and strong local presence, our long-standing membership in the ISPA network allows us, when required, to mobilise high-level partners across most European countries. This organisation guarantees our clients the same level of excellence, proximity and understanding of local contexts while maintaining strategic coordination by GBO.
Our methodology: direct search and tailored selection
The GBO methodology is based on an exclusive direct search approach, particularly suited to executive roles and high-impact leadership functions. Each executive search assignment follows a precise and transparent process aligned with the best standards of the profession.
Definition of the strategic need
Our consultants meet with executive management or HR leadership to identify key expectations, responsibilities, transformation challenges and required competencies. This analysis phase ensures a perfect understanding of the mission’s objectives and alignment with the company’s overall strategy.
Targeted market mapping and international sourcing
We mobilise our internal databases, advanced direct search tools and our European leadership network to identify the most relevant profiles. This phase combines in-depth headhunting in France with international market intelligence, allowing us to approach candidates who are often not visible on the market or actively seeking new opportunities.
Confidential approach and leadership assessment
As specialised executive recruiters, GBO conducts in-depth interviews to evaluate technical expertise, soft skills, leadership achievements, intercultural capabilities and decision-making capacity. When necessary, we integrate advanced assessment tools into the recruitment process.
Structured presentation and support in the selection process
We provide detailed and comparative candidate reports enabling executive decision-makers to evaluate candidates objectively. Our consultants support interviews between clients and candidates, coordinate validation stages and facilitate final decision-making.
Integration follow-up and onboarding support
After the appointment, our consultants continue supporting the organisation during the first months of integration. This follow-up helps secure the executive recruitment and promotes rapid and successful onboarding.
This proven methodology, refined over many years, forms the foundation of GBO’s reputation among international executive recruitment firms and executive search specialists in Paris and across Europe.
Leadership functions and sectors covered by our executive search practice
GBO operates across a wide range of executive and strategic leadership functions, with recognised expertise in advanced industrial and technological environments as well as the service sector.
Our ability to operate in France, Germany and internationally — identifying the best candidates, generating their interest and convincing them to join our clients — makes GBO a trusted partner for organisations seeking bicultural senior executives.
Leadership functions
Executive management and general leadership
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO) / Managing Director
- Business Unit or subsidiary leadership
- Chief Operating Officer (COO)
- Plant management, site leadership and industrial operations
Finance and governance
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
- Finance Director
- Controlling and financial performance management
- Treasury, consolidation and internal audit
Commercial, marketing and business development
- Commercial Director France / European markets / DACH region
- International Business Development Director
- Strategic, product or digital marketing leadership
- Export management, sales leadership and Key Account Management
Technical, industrial and innovation functions
- Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
- R&D and innovation leadership
- Quality management
- Production, supply chain and industrial purchasing
- Engineering leadership and complex project management
Support and transformation functions
- Human Resources Director
- IT and Information Systems leadership
- Legal, compliance and risk management
- Transformation and operational excellence leadership
Our executive search practice relies on strong sector knowledge across key industrial and high-value service environments.
Industry sectors we regularly support
Industrial and engineering sectors
- Aerospace and defence
- Automotive and mobility
- Mechanical engineering and industrial equipment
- Electrical and electronic equipment
- Manufacturing and industrial processing
- Logistics, supply chain and industrial transport
Energy and infrastructure
- Energy and energy transition
- Chemicals, materials and plastics
- Construction, building and infrastructure
Life sciences and healthcare
- Agri-food industry
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Biotechnology and medical devices
- Highly regulated and certified environments
Technology and digital
- Industrial technologies
- IT, software and information systems
- B2B digital solutions, SaaS, automation and IoT
Financial services and business services
- Banking and financial services
- Insurance
- High-value professional services
- Retail
A human, bicultural and confidential approach
One of GBO’s defining characteristics lies in its ability to conduct executive search missions in France and across borders with the same level of excellence.
Our firm has long-standing expertise on the France–Germany axis>, supported by a bilingual and bicultural team that perfectly understands the professional, legal and managerial practices of both countries.
This dual capability enables us to:
- effectively identify Franco-German executive profiles
- accurately assess their cultural adaptability
- support German organisations expanding into France and vice versa
- operate in full alignment with the business practices of both markets
Our European network, developed over many years, provides access to experienced executives who are often not visible on traditional platforms. This sourcing capability, combined with our credibility among senior leaders, positions GBO as one of the most effective firms for bicultural leadership recruitment and cross-border executive search.
Launch your executive search with a GBO expert
For organisations seeking to secure a strategic appointment, strengthen their executive leadership team or conduct a confidential executive search, GBO provides a dedicated team of executive search consultants recognised for their experience, rigour, discretion and commitment to successful outcomes.
We invite you to connect with our experts to initiate your next executive recruitment in France, Germany, across French-speaking or German-speaking European markets, or internationally.
