Next September, CFR Global Executive Search will hold its global meeting in Bruges, Belgium. By then, I will have completed one year as CEO of the organization—a perfect moment to reflect.
Our members placed their trust not only in me to lead CFR Global Executive Search, but also in a newly formed Board. Some Board members had already gained experience within the network, while others were new to the role. It was inspiring to see the enthusiasm and deep expertise with which they embraced the challenges of the past year and drove meaningful progress.
We are a globally active enterprise, operating from Canada to China and from Mexico to Greece. In any global organization, cultural differences and varied approaches to problem-solving are inevitable. Fortunately, we focus not on what separates us, but on the shared goals that unite us.
2025 was yet another economically challenging year—marked by devastating wars, political tensions, and global uncertainties. In such times, you need people who recognize opportunities, embrace innovation, and uphold high-quality standards. I’m proud to say that our 350 consultants around the world consistently deliver on these qualities.
I am especially proud of the progress CFR Global Executive Search has made across many fronts. We welcomed new partners in several countries, enhancing our global capacity to serve clients in recruitment, assessments, and leadership development. For instance, in the Netherlands, we supported clients with operations in Germany. Our German partner, with their deep understanding of the local market, successfully identified the right candidates. Similarly, we assisted our Swiss partner with a client whose subsidiary operates in the Netherlands.
It may seem straightforward, but few organizations can offer such a strong, high-quality, and far-reaching global network. Building this took time—and continues to require careful selection of new members who meet our high standards.
Yes, we expanded our network in strategically important regions—locations vital for clients who operate without borders and want proximity to their customers. We are ready to support them. Our experienced consultants are increasingly distributed around the globe. Sometimes it feels so normal that we forget to talk about it. Our Dutch company, BeljonWesterterp, now has more reach than ever—not just locally or nationally, but also globally. Is that important to us? Absolutely—but only because it enables us to serve our clients even better.
We are also addressing major themes such as AI, social recruitment, cross-cultural knowledge, and country-specific recruitment practices. We have this expertise available within our network, in every region. I am often amazed by the depth of experience we have onboard.
But what is still the most valuable asset of all? Our people. The 350+ consultants, organized by country, bring knowledge, experience, dedication, and a strong client-service orientation. They are what make me the proudest.
Article written by Willem Hein, CFR Global Executive Search the Netherlands