Who we are
Founded in 2004, Witena Executive Search specialises in securing top talent for board of directors, CEOs, and executive committees roles for our clients, ensuring the long-term success of the organisation.
The name “Witena” is derived from the Old English term “Witenagemot” or “Witan”, meaning “meeting of the wise.” In the Anglo-Saxon petty kingdoms and later on at national level after the unification of England, these councils of spiritual and secular dignitaries were convened until the 11th century to deliberate on matters of great importance.
Accordingly, our claim has been established:
As trusted advisor, we advise organisations on the composition of their leadership teams and support the selection of exceptional leaders.
Our aims
The partners at Witena have redefined the success parameters for executive search. We do not only aim to find and attract the best available and culturally fitting leaders for our client companies, but we also measure ourselves by the long-term success of the placed individual.
According to our uniquely designed business and fee model, a significant portion of the total fee is payable only twelve months after the candidate’s start date, following a successful integration into the client company, which Witena supports.
Our approach has proven successful: Nearly all leaders placed by Witena remain active within the client company for the long term, driving change and shaping the organisation sustainably. This, ultimately, is the benchmark for successful executive search – connecting leaders with target companies in a way that fosters mutual growth and successful development of the organisation.
Our Track Record
Witena prides itself as a trusted partner for a wide range of organisations concerning their executive personnel.
Our clients include multinational corporations, owner-managed medium-sized companies, family businesses, private equity firms, as well as public institutions, non-profit organisations, and foundations.
Below is an excerpt from our comprehensive track record of sustainable placements and advisory mandates.
Executive Search
Consumer
- Wine and beverage company
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
- Wholesale convenience products
Head of Logistics, Head of Purchasing and Head of Finance
- Swiss fashion company
Member of the Non-Executive Board
- Food & beverage
Chief Executive Officer
- Major Swiss player in hospitality and catering
Chief Operating Officer
- Travelling and lodging services
Chief Executive Officer
- Outdoor and sports product
Chief Financial Officer
- Swiss retail chain
Head Business Development food & non-food
Executive Search
Industrial
- Industrial technology group
Several Non-Executive Board Members
- Automotive supplier
Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Division CEO and Head Marketing & Sales
- Semiconductor supplier
Chief Executive Officer and Head Business Unit
- Industrial conglomerate
Several division CEOs
- Industrial conglomerate
Several Division CEOs and Head Technics & Operations
- Machinery company
Chief Executive Officer, Head Marketing & Sales and Head Research & Development
- Building materials
Chief Executive Officer and Head Technics & Operations
- Energy technology group
Senior Vice President EMEA, Head Group Finance & Controlling, Head Group Quality, Head Research & Development, etc.
Executive Search
Financial Services
- Global acting Swiss Stock Exchange listed private banking group
Evaluation of numerous Non-Executive Board Members, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and further Executive Board positions
- High performing Swiss full-service bank
Numerous Non-Executive Board Members, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Risk Officer, Chief Information Officer
- Global acting Anglo-Saxon wealth manager
Several Non-Executive Board Members
- International private bank
Global Chief Investment Officer
- Bank Association
Chairman
- Consumer finance bank
Chief Risk Officer and Chief Financial Officer
- Insurance Company
Chief Executive Officer and Head Marketing & Sales
- Swiss pension fund
Chief Executive Officer
- Swiss health insurance
Head Marketing & Sales
Executive Search
Services and Public Sector
- Facility management
Chief Executive Officer
- Global onboard service provider
Operations Director and Head Human Resources for Europe
- Railway transportation
Head Regulation and International Affairs
- Ticketing solutions
Chief Financial Officer and General Manager Germany
- Residence group
Chief Executive Officer
- National tax authority
Head Fiscal Policy & Regulation and Head International Tax Affairs
- National pension fund
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer
- Regional social insurance authority
Several Non-Executive Board Members
Executive Search / Technology
Industry related positions
- Professional Services company
Head Business Software Delivery
- Global online marketplace
Head Domestic Business Strategy
- Leading eHealth provider
General Manager Switzerland
- Swiss IT & Telco Association
Chief Executive Officer
- Ticketing Solutions
Chief Financial Officer and General Manager Germany
- Leading Swiss Telco provider
Head of Online Sales & Marketing
Executive Search / Technology
Functional technology positions
- Swiss health & accident insurer
Chief Information Officer
- Swiss health insurance company
Chief Information Officer
- Regional universal bank
Head IT-Architecture and Security, Executive Board Member
- Regional universal bank
Head Logistics, IT & Real Estate
- Leading electronics distributor
Chief Information Officer
Executive Search
Life Sciences
- Global leading dental products manufacturer
Several Non-Executive Board Members, Chief Sales Officer, Chief Operating Officer
- Global operating medical instruments services supplier
Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer
- Global operating laboratory equipment manufacturer
Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Head of Business Unit, Chief Sales & Service Officer
- Global leading vascular products manufacturer
Vice President Research & Development, Vice President Technology & Operations, Global Program Director
- Global pharmaceutical company
Global Head of Legal, Group Head of Treasury
- Digital health fund
Several Non-Executive Board Members, Chief Executive Officer
- Global nutritional products company
Global Head of Sales, Chief Marketing Officer EMEA
- Swiss laboratory company
Chief Sales Officer, Chief Financial Officer
Board Advisory
Executive Committee Assessment
Globally operating supplier for trade fairs, exhibitions and events
Mapping of key people’s management capabilities and verification of the alignment in regard to vision, strategy and dynamics. Recommendations relating to fields of action and organisational structure.
Board Advisory
Board Assessment
Leading Swiss universal bank
Appraisal of all non-executive board members in respect of FINMA and corporate governance requirements, diversity, individual skillsets and the management as a whole. Suggestions of complementary training measures.
Board Advisory
Succession Planning
Global leading FinTech company
Set up an external succession pipeline with global reach for all executive board roles – group CEO, group CFO, group CIO and the Division CEOs:
- Continuous market research, profile screening and establishment of a trustful relationship with the most promising executives.
- Half-year reviews with the nomination committee of the non-executive board and regular comparison with the internal talent pool.
- Based of the ongoing succession management, a sudden vacancy of a Division CEO has been filled within a short time frame.