We design how the organisation should be built — structure, processes and roles — and then find the leaders to run it. Searching for people before the organisation is defined is building without a foundation.
From that foundation, we connect companies with exceptional leaders — chosen not against a generic profile, but against the role we've defined together — to drive growth and lasting value.
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Define the role first — executive search built on your strategy, structure and culture, not a one-size-fits-all brief.
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Reach the right people directly — a proactive, personal approach and an in-house network of senior talent.
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Make placements that last — rigorous selection, engaged guidance and support well beyond the start date.
About e-search
A Boutique Executive Search Firm
From Intake To Integration
Way of Working
Our approach rests on a simple conviction: the search only succeeds once the organisation is clear. So before we look for people, we make sure the foundation is right — the structure, the roles, and what the new leader is genuinely there to do.
From the first conversation to a fully integrated leader, we guide the whole process to secure a lasting match, not just a quick hire.
1. Profile definition
The foundation for success Together with the client — and, where relevant, the investor — we define the role against the organisation it sits in: where it reports, what it owns, and what success looks like.
We capture this in a profile document that aligns every stakeholder before the search begins. Where the organisation around the role still needs shaping, this is where we design it first.
2. Search & selection Targeted talent search
We actively approach the market rather than wait for applications.
We hold conversations with potential candidates, test them against the agreed profile, and deliver a shortlist of genuinely qualified people — each interviewed face-to-face, with references taken wherever possible.
3. Interviews & integration Making the right match
We review the shortlist together with the client and, where relevant, the investor. Interviews follow at the company and, if appropriate, with the investor.
Once the choice is made, we stay involved to ensure the new leader integrates well and the appointment holds.
Why e-search
Our distinctive capabilities
Human and personal
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Founded on the conviction that trust and collaboration form the foundation.
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The founders have known each other for 45 years and combine their complementary networks and experience.
Strategic sparring partner
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Regularly involved in questions about organizational structure and team building.
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Often consulted early in the process, especially for portfolio companies of investors.
On-site involvement
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We spend several days within your organization.
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This allows us to build a sharp and realistic picture that guides the search
In-depth and precise
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For us, executive search is not a CV comparison, but a strategic process.
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We invest in getting to know your organization and maintain continuous dialogue.
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Focus on both job content and cultural fit and personality.
Flexible and transparent fees
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Fees based on a fixed fee or percentage of the total annual salary.
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Clear retainer structure (1/3 at start, 1/3 at shortlist, 1/3 at placement).
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Always open to customization and creative solutions.
Partnership as a starting point
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We work directly with decision-makers — short lines, clear communication.
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Flexible in form of collaboration, with a long-term perspective.
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Partnership is not our goal, but a consequence of our approach.
Who are we?
e-search team
We are a dedicated team of experienced professionals with a passion for connecting talent and companies. Together we bring expertise, integrity, and personal commitment.
Our leadership and network
Ernst and Gwen together lead our executive search firm. They work with various partners, including a network of freelancers with expertise in marketing, legal, and other disciplines. These collaborations give us access to a broad professional network for the perfect match.
Building leadership together
We believe in long-term relationships, strategic precision, and genuine involvement. Our mission? Finding leaders who not only strengthen the organization but also truly fit within it.
Ernst Monkhorst
Owner & Founder
Ernst Monkhorst is an experienced professional with more than 25 years of commercial experience in the software and ICT sector. He completed a law degree at the University of Groningen. He is co-founder and partner at e-search, a boutique executive search firm based in Amsterdam. The company focuses on recruiting top candidates for portfolio companies of private equity, venture capital, and growth funds, as well as medium to large family businesses. Additionally, Ernst advises investors on their informal investments in startups and scaleups.
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Gwen de Vos van Steenwijk
Associate Partner
Gwen de Vos van Steenwijk is an experienced professional in executive search and organizational development. She is active as a partner at e-search (boutique executive search firm) where she focuses on attracting leaders for private equity and venture capital funds and family businesses. She has an academic background from Erasmus University Rotterdam and has previously worked at organizations such as "CVC", "USG", "More, the art of work", and "GB2 recruitment". Her expertise lies in guiding people and organizations in finding the right leaders, combining strategic insight with a strong focus on human relationships.
International Scope
Talent search without borders
While rooted in the Netherlands, we actively focus on the international market. Our executive search firm maintains an extensive network of collaborative partners across Europe. These partners share our passion for connecting exceptional talent with leading organizations.
Our representation in Southeast Asia gives us a unique perspective on this dynamic region and access to emerging leadership. This global presence allows us to identify and assess talent that perfectly aligns with our clients' international ambitions.
This cross-border approach enables us to bring diverse perspectives together and help organizations excel in an increasingly connected global economy.