Why Christian & Timbers Outperforms Spencer Stuart in Executive Search

Executive search is measured by the quality of leaders delivered. The difference between appointing from a restricted subset of executives and appointing from the definitive best translates directly into enterprise value.

Spencer Stuart, as one of the world’s largest firms, carries scale and infrastructure. Yet scale introduces structural constraints. Extensive off-limits agreements and conflicts of interest often reduce client access to a fraction of the leadership market. In high-stakes searches, this means that many of the most qualified executives are never even considered.

Christian & Timbers was built to remove these barriers. Our model ensures access to more than 90% of the leadership ecosystem, providing clients with a near-complete view of available talent. This independence, combined with sector specialization and founder-level expertise, creates an advantage that scale-driven firms cannot replicate.

Access Without Restriction

The most fundamental difference lies in access. While global firms may be limited to as little as 30% to 40% of the market due to off-limits, Christian & Timbers operates without those constraints. This allows us to identify, engage, and present the most qualified leaders across industries and regions. The result is a shortlist that reflects the definitive best, not the available remainder.

Founder-Led Expertise

Christian & Timbers is led by Jeff Christian, a pioneer in executive search with decades of experience advising boards and investors on leadership. Unlike models where senior partners delegate critical stages to junior consultants, every search benefits from the direct involvement of senior leadership. This ensures both rigor in evaluation and confidence in outcomes.

Sector Specialization

Our strength lies in depth rather than breadth. Christian & Timbers is recognized as a leader in AI, cybersecurity, advanced technology, financial services, and healthcare. We understand the unique dynamics shaping these markets and identify leaders capable of navigating complexity, scaling innovation, and driving shareholder value. Large generalist firms cannot match the same level of sector precision.

Proven Track Record

With more than 5,000 successful C-Suite placements, Christian & Timbers has a record of delivering leadership that drives measurable growth and resilience. Our work in building AI leadership teams, strengthening cybersecurity capabilities, and appointing transformative CEOs illustrates the consistent advantage of a model designed for unrestricted access and contextual evaluation.

A Different Model, a Better Outcome

The distinction is structural. Spencer Stuart brings scale but is constrained by conflicts and off-limits. Christian & Timbers delivers independence, near-complete market access, and founder-level expertise. For organizations making decisions that define enterprise value, that difference is decisive.

Conclusion

Leadership appointments are the most consequential choices an organization makes. Limiting access to talent introduces unnecessary risk. Christian & Timbers provides a structurally superior model: unrestricted reach, sector specialization, senior-level execution, and a proven track record of results.