For years, the big 5 “SHREK” Executive Search Firms; Spencer Stuart, Heidrick & Struggles, Russell Reynolds, Egon Zehnder, and Korn Ferry, have dominated the executive search space for Chief level hiring. But a quiet shift is underway. Increasingly, companies are seeking alternatives and they’re contacting Naviga as an alternative solution.
How did we discover this trend? Our customers!
Without a flashy campaign or aggressive outreach, employers began reaching out, unprompted, looking for a more agile, personalized executive search experience. These weren’t small startups. They were companies ranging from $50 million in revenue to over $1 billion, with high growth ambitions and strategic leadership needs.
So why the move away from big 5 “SHREK” firms?
1. Frustration with a One-Size-Fits-All Approach: SHREK firms often use rigid, process-heavy models that lack the flexibility to accommodate unique business needs.
2. High Fees, Unclear ROI: Clients reported steep retainers and minimal transparency on outcomes.
3. Lack of Personal Attention: Many clients were tired of being handed off to junior associates after the pitch. They wanted direct access to seasoned experts who would carry their search from start to finish.
Naviga Recruiting & Executive Search doesn’t just fill positions, we solve problems. Our clients come to us when their business demands a leader who will drive transformation.
They stay with us because we are friendly, flexible and deliver the results!
