Published terms, next to the market
Market figures are from the firms in 123RFP that publish the same term, Q4 2026 edition.
Fee · % of first-year base salary
typically 20% to 33% (conditional) of total first-year compensation
Light grey: middle half of published fees (19% to 29.5%). Dark grey: typical range (medians).
Source, as of Nov 2, 2026(opens in a new tab): "CEO search fees are typically structured as a retained engagement, ranging from 20% to 33% of the appointed executive’s first-year total compensation."
Guarantee · months
3 months · Replacement
73.4% of published guarantees are 3 months or less (shaded). 21.5% are 6 months or more.
Source, as of Nov 2, 2026(opens in a new tab): "Every permanent placement carries a 90-day replacement guarantee, counted from the candidate’s acceptance of the offer."
All published terms
Firm type
Staffing and Direct Hire
"Temp, contract, and permanent hiring across all industries and 36+ countries. We find, screen, and shortlist candidates for you." · Source(opens in a new tab)
Fee model
Retained
"CEO search fees are typically structured as a retained engagement, ranging from 20% to 33% of the appointed executive’s first-year total compensation." · Source(opens in a new tab)
Minimum fee
Not published
Payment timing
You pay in staged instalments across the search.
"You pay in staged instalments across the search, and the headhunter works exclusively on your role." · Source(opens in a new tab)
Guarantee conditions
Counted from the candidate’s acceptance of the offer; for any reason.
"Every permanent placement carries a 90-day replacement guarantee, counted from the candidate’s acceptance of the offer." · Source(opens in a new tab)
Exclusivity
Exclusive Required
"Every CEO headhunting engagement is run on a retained basis with full search exclusivity and a 90-day replacement guarantee." · Source(opens in a new tab)
Publishes results
Not stated
Specialties
CEOs; CFOs; CTOs; COOs; Senior Leadership; Technology; Finance and Banking; Healthcare; Engineering and Construction; Legal
"Access a network of experienced CEOs, CFOs, CTOs, COOs, and senior leadership talent." · Source(opens in a new tab)
"Alliance headhunters in the UAE cover technology, finance and banking, healthcare, engineering and construction, legal, real estate, oil and gas, and human resources." · Source(opens in a new tab)
Time to fill stated
3 to 4 weeks
"Average full placement in 3 to 4 weeks" · Source(opens in a new tab)
Geography
International
"Temp, contract, and permanent hiring across all industries and 36+ countries." · Source(opens in a new tab)
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