President & CEO Executive Search

Understanding the art and science of leading an executive search process, QTI will partner with you to find your next leader.

Leadership Succession That Aligns Strategy and Culture

Leadership transitions at the President and CEO level require more than a search—they demand sound judgment and strategic partnership. We work closely with boards and owners to define leadership needs, navigate complexity, and deliver leaders who align with strategy and culture to drive growth.

QTI has extensive executive search experience across industries, including biohealth, business associations, community foundations, financial and banking institutions, manufacturing, healthcare, higher education, professional services, real estate development, technology, and more. Our broad market knowledge helps organizations stay ahead of trends and secure leaders who thrive in dynamic environments.

President & CEO Search Process

QTI Executive Search Consultants are committed to thoroughly understanding the organization’s strategy and culture and identifying candidates with the right skills and cultural fit to drive the organization forward. Our team leverages a broad array of search tools, robust research, and national QTI networks to attract qualified leadership talent. We build collaborative partnerships and are committed to transparent communication throughout the search.

Assessments: We use Hogan Assessments to assess finalists and provide scientifically validated insights into the individual strengths, fit, performance risks, and core values.
Compensation Guidance: QTI’s compensation consultants can further enhance the search process by providing guidance on base pay and total compensation to ensure it is competitive and reasonable.

President & CEO Placement Examples

QTI partners with both for-profit and nonprofit organizations to secure leadership talent across industries for roles such as:

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Executive Director
Managing Director
President
Principal
Vice President

Case Study Spotlight

Industry: Banking/Trade Association
Location: Midwest
Position Filled: President & CEO

A leading bankers association partnered with The QTI Group to conduct a national search for its next CEO following a key leadership retirement. The result was a successful hire aligned with the organization’s mission, supported by a transparent and trusted search process. Read more.

President & CEO Search FAQs

Do you work directly with the board of directors?

Yes. Executive Search firms serve as strategic partners to boards of directors or search committees.

Executive Search firms:

Lead the end-to-end search process.

Develop the ideal candidate profile.

Source candidates for screening and presenting a qualified slate.

Support interviews, offers, and onboarding.

Board of Directors and Search Committees

Provide direction and approval of key elements.
Actively participate in interviews.
Final selection of the candidate.

Together, this collaborative approach ensures a well-managed process and the selection of the best-fit leader.

Do Executive Search firms provide guidance on job descriptions for leadership roles?

Yes. Executive search firms play a key role in shaping and refining job descriptions for senior leadership positions.

During the discovery phase, search consultants develop a deep understanding of your organization’s structure, culture, and strategic goals. Based on these insights, they create a detailed candidate profile outlining the experience, leadership capabilities, and characteristics required for success.

This ensures the role is clearly defined, aligned with business objectives, and positioned to attract the right talent.

How is confidentiality handled in a CEO or President search?

Does The QTI Group’s executive search process include leadership assessments?

QTI offers a suite of Hogan Assessments that provide scientifically validated insights into a candidate’s strengths, performance risks, and core values. Benefits of using Hogan assessments include:

Eliminates bias during hiring.
Ensures candidate and company culture fit.
Reduces turnover.
Creates a strong organizational culture.
Identifies where candidates excel at specific job competencies.

QTI’s certified-Hogan consultant provides a thorough review of the candidate’s results, including strengths, daily reputation highlights, patterns under pressure, motivators, and keys to success.

What Our Clients Say

Your leadership throughout the recruiting process has been nothing short of outstanding. You have far exceeded my expectations! It truly is a pleasure working with you.

Mary Kay

Iowa Bankers Association, Search Committee Member

Want to learn more about our President & CEO search practice?

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