What is a boutique executive search firm?
A boutique executive search firm is a small, specialised practice that takes on a limited number of assignments with senior attention, in contrast to large, volume-driven firms. CourtesyMasters has worked this way since 1999: a dedicated team, deep hospitality roots and personal involvement from first briefing to final placement. Read more about us.
Detailed answer
A boutique executive search firm takes on a limited number of assignments and keeps senior people involved in every one of them. At CourtesyMasters, that way of working goes back to the start.
How did CourtesyMasters become a boutique?
CourtesyMasters was founded in Rotterdam in 1999 by Fons Bitter, an experienced hotelier, and was the first hospitality-focused recruitment agency in the Netherlands. The house has stayed within that one specialism ever since. Today it works from its headquarters in The Hague, with an international network of independent professionals who share a love of hospitality and a discipline of discretion. Every consultant knows the industry from within.
What does that mean for your search?
The consultant who takes your briefing stays responsible for your search until the placement is complete, and stays involved during the onboarding. Because that consultant comes from hospitality, they understand the pace, the standards and the weight of a leadership appointment in your world.
Each search is research-led and confidential. The aim is a precise shortlist of fewer, stronger candidates, each one presented with a clear view on fit, potential and risk.
When is a boutique the right choice?
CourtesyMasters does not believe in volume hiring. The house measures its success by the trust it earns with clients and candidates, and a boutique fits best where one appointment carries a lot of weight: a General Manager, a member of the executive committee, a confidential replacement.
See how the house has grown since 1999, or read more about our executive search.
Related Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between executive search and recruitment?
Recruitment typically fills open vacancies through advertising and applications. Executive search works the other way around: a consultant proactively identifies and approaches accomplished professionals, including those not actively looking, and guides both sides through a confidential, structured process. CourtesyMasters combines both disciplines, always with a hospitality focus.
What is executive search?
Executive search is a specialised form of recruitment for senior and hard-to-fill positions. Instead of waiting for applications, a search partner proactively identifies, approaches and assesses proven professionals, often confidentially. CourtesyMasters has applied this craft exclusively to hospitality since 1999, through a structured six-step methodology. Discover more about executive search services.
How can I report recruitment fraud or impersonation involving CourtesyMasters?
If you receive a suspicious message or offer that claims to come from CourtesyMasters, please contact us directly before responding. We will confirm whether the communication is genuine and take action to protect you.
Where is CourtesyMasters headquartered?
CourtesyMasters is headquartered in The Hague, The Netherlands, and works internationally from hubs in Madrid, Florence, Rome, London, Monaco and Cannes. See our locations for the full overview.
When was CourtesyMasters founded?
CourtesyMasters was founded in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, in 1999. From Rotterdam to the world: over more than twenty-five years we have grown into an international hospitality search partner built on trust and discretion, working today from our headquarters in The Hague. Read more in our story.
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