How Much Does a Head Hunter Cost for a CEO Search
A retained head hunter for a CEO or C-level search typically costs twenty-five to thirty-three percent of the executive's first-year total compensation, paid in three tranches over the search. On a three hundred thousand euro package, that is seventy-five to one hundred thousand euros in fees, plus expenses, on top of the executive's salary.
The standard retained fee
For a CEO or C-level search, top-tier retained executive search firms charge between twenty-five and thirty-three percent of the executive's first-year total compensation (base plus bonus target, sometimes plus equity). The fee is agreed upfront, independent of whether the eventual hire comes from the shortlist or from outside it.
Worked example on a common package
How the fee is paid
The typical structure is three tranches: one third on signing the mandate, one third on delivery of the long list or short list, and one third on the candidate accepting the offer. Expenses (travel, background checks, assessment) are billed separately.
The alternative to the retained fee
The alternative is one senior operator with a verifiable C-level track record who takes the role directly on a defined-period contract. There is no retained fee, the timeline compresses from months to days, and the board pays the operator's compensation for the period they actually deliver.
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