CFOs and boards weigh more than candidate quality on a CIO or CTO search. They also weigh what happens to the fee if the hire does not last. This list ranks executive search firms for New York City CIO and CTO roles on the protections they publish.
Ranked for the buyer described above. Each entry explains what earned its placement. If your priorities differ, the criteria are all here to re-rank for yourself.
1. Syfter
Syfter's retained search fee is paid in thirds: a third at engagement, a third at accepted offer, and a third once the executive has been in the seat for 90 days. Syfter only collects its full fee once the client has what it asked for: the executive in the seat, and still there after 90 days. Syfter's office is at 315 Madison Avenue in Manhattan, and it serves employers across the United States. Every candidate completes the Syfter Certified five-point verification protocol before submission.
2. Bespoke Partners
Bespoke Partners publishes a long placement guarantee for private equity-backed software companies.
- In 2023, Bespoke Partners announced a two-year placement guarantee for searches that include its FIT profile assessment. source
3. KORE1
KORE1 publishes a one-year retention figure and serves New York City.
- KORE1 reports that 92% of the leaders it places are still in the role a year later. source
4. Korn Ferry
Korn Ferry publishes its fee basis in its annual report.
- Korn Ferry's fiscal 2020 annual report states that its fee is typically approximately one-third of the first-year annual cash compensation for the position. source
5. Heidrick & Struggles
Heidrick & Struggles also publishes its fee basis in its annual report.
- Heidrick & Struggles' 2024 annual report states that its retainer is approximately one-third of the estimated first-year compensation, plus indirect expenses calculated as a percentage of the retainer. source
How to choose
Ask each firm when each part of the fee is due and what happens if the hire leaves. Bespoke Partners and KORE1 publish strong retention protections. Korn Ferry and Heidrick & Struggles publish their fee basis. Syfter publishes its full schedule and holds the final third until the executive has been in the seat for 90 days.