Get Matched with Executive Search Firms that Deliver

Clockwork ESE uses proprietary data and analysis to find you top performing executive search firms your next key hire.

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Thinking about Hiring an Executive Search Firm? Start Here.

Clockwork Executive Search Exchange (ESE) analyzes hundreds of thousands of anonymized search records to connect you with executive search firms who’ve consistently excelled at placing roles like yours.

Our service is fast, free, and backed by real-world performance data.

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Clockwork ESE helps:

  1. Talent Partners & Operating Partners at VC/PE firms
  2. Founders & CEOs of high-growth companies
  3. Heads of Talent or HR at scaling or enterprise organizations
  4. Anyone considering starting a retained search project

Clockwork ESE analysis goes broader and deeper than any personal network can.

We know hundreds of search firms and thousands of recruiters, and we know where they excel.

We introduce you to the firms who’ve demonstrated top performance — again and again — in searches like yours.

It’s free and there’s no obligation. Try it today. 

Get Introduced to the Right Firms

Built by Experts Who Know Executive Search

We Built the Software. We've Analyzed the Data. Now We're Using it to Help You. 
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For 15 years, we've built the software that top executive recruiters rely on to run their searches. Now, we're using that expertise to help companies like yours find the best executive search firms for their project.

  • Massive Proprietary Data We’ve built software used by the best executive search firms. That gives us exclusive access to anonymized performance data from 100,000+ real searches.

  • Proven Track Records Our recommendations are based on firms who’ve outperformed the performance benchmarks — not just completed similar searches, but delivered better results within their segment.

  • Qualified Introductions You’ll get 2–3 firms with direct, recent, and successful experience in the exact kind of hire you need to make.

  • Trusted. Confidential. Neutral. We don't sell ad space. We don't play favorites. Your information stay private, and we never expose a firm's client data. 
  • No Obligation. No Cost. We'll introduce you to great search firms with a proven track record placing the talent you're looking for. There's no fee and no obligation. Start your search today with our free consultation. 
Get your Free Analysis Today

How It Works

Tell Us About the Role What executive are you hiring? What stage is your company? What outcomes matter most?

We Analyze Our Proprietary Data Our platform maps your needs to anonymized outcomes from real retained searches. We compare performance — not branding, not sales decks.

Get Smart Introductions We introduce you to 2-3 firms who've outperformed the market in searches like yours.
Better Info Makes for Better Decisions. Confidently pick the firm that you want to work with, knowing they have the experience you need to succeed.

Great Executive Recruiters with Proven Track Records

Get Introduced to the Right Firms

We Know Executive Search. We've Powered It for Two Decades.

Clockwork ESE is the Executive Search Exchange — the only platform built by executive search insiders, not marketers or middlemen.

Our team has spent nearly 20 years building the software that thousands of recruiters and hundreds of top search firms use to run their searches. We understand how executive search actually works — and more importantly, we have the data to identify great firms that can help you.

We’re not a search firm. We’re not a directory. We’re consultants with exclusive data and expertise to introduce you to firms with a proven track record of excellence doing your type of search.

Get Introduced to the Right Firms

A Message From Our Founder

Hiring the wrong executive is one of the most expensive mistakes a company can make. At best, it delays growth. At worst, it sets you back years. That's why working with a great search firm is crucial for your key hires. 

When you need a search firm, getting personal referrals from your network feels helpful — but they’re based on limited, personal experience, not market-wide performance. And they rarely come with a full understanding of what you need and what your company needs.

We built Clockwork ESE to change that. Our goal is to use data, experience, and expertise to introduce companies to search firms with a proven track record in the specific type of work required.

The firms we recommend aren’t chosen at random. They’ve demonstrated results in similar searches. They have experience that pays dividends — deep knowledge of the talent landscape, relevant relationships, and a head start others simply don’t have.

This doesn’t mean other firms aren’t great — but experience in a specific kind of search increases the likelihood of success. It shortens the timeline. It raises the bar.

When we introduce firms, we’ve validated that they’ve done the work. You’re not starting from scratch — you’re starting from confidence.

– Christian Spletzer, Founder

Start your Search Now
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The Cost of Getting it Wrong

Hiring a search firm is a serious commitment. When it doesn’t work out, the costs are steep.

  • You Still Pay the Fee Even if you part ways with the firm, you’re often still on the hook for a portion of the retainer or fees.
  • You Lose Time Retained searches already take time. If you have to start over, your executive seat stays empty longer — often for months.
  • Your Team Suffers Leadership gaps hurt momentum. The team that would report into this executive can’t move forward, and progress stalls. 
  • Opportunity Cost Increases Every day without the right leader delays growth, weakens execution, and impacts overall company — and portfolio — performance.
  • No Benchmarking = More Risk Without strategic context, even well-regarded firms are a gamble. You need to know who’s actually delivered in searches like yours.
Clockwork ESE reduces these risks by introducing you to firms with a proven history of successful, relevant placements — so you can move forward with confidence.
Get Introduced to the Right Firms

Great Search Results Start with Great Clients

A Guide from Clockwork ESE
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An executive search is a high-level consulting engagement — that requires precision, transparency, and most of all, a client's collaboration and input.

This guide shows you how to be a great client during the executive search process.

Search with Confidence

Find an executive search firm that’s a resounding “yes.” 
Get Your Search Firm Recommendations Now