How do you maintain confidentiality in an Executive Search for a replacement role?

The average tenure for a C-suite executive is 5 years. Over that time an individual may achieve a great deal and be ready for a new challenge, or they might not achieve enough and the company makes a decision to bring in fresh ideas.

In such a scenario, or where a new market or service is being offered, it can be particularly important to ensure confidentiality in a search and it is common for Non Disclosure Agreements to be used as part of the process to ensure confidentiality.

As part of such a confidential search we would confirm the reasons for confidentiality to the candidates involved in the process, issue and ask them to sign a Non Disclosure Agreement timely before disclosing any pertinent details. We would also highlight the confidentiality of the role at every touch point in the process. This repetition with candidates ensures we reinforce the importance of the confidentiality.

We would also advise that an organisations does proactive risk planning, with a couple options as to the action plan in case word gets out about the Search process. Understanding the most likely scenarios and how to deal with them quickly if they arise will help mitigate any damage should it ever arise.