e-search is a boutique executive search firm specialized in finding top commercial, operational, and financial talent and C-level leaders for investment companies, family offices, family businesses, and owner-managed organizations.
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We connect leading companies with exceptional leadership talent, carefullyselected to achieve growth, innovation, and sustainable value creation.
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Provide tailored executive search solutions that perfectly align with our clients' strategy and culture.
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Strengthen the network with top candidates in finance and commerce through a proactive and personal approach.
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Ensure sustainable placements through in-depth selection, engaged guidance, and post-placement support.
About e-search
A Boutique Executive Search Firm
From Intake To Integration
Way of Working
Our approach is carefully tailored to meet both the organization's needs and the candidate's expectations. From the initial conversation to the successful integration of the new leader, we guide the entire process to ensure a perfect match.
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1. Profile Definition
The foundation for success
In collaboration with the client, we determine the desired profile. This can be both the company where the candidate will be placed, as well as the private equity partner. We create a profile document that clearly outlines expectations and ensure all stakeholders are aligned.
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2. Search & Selection
Targeted talent search
Our team actively pursues suitable candidates. We conduct conversations with potential candidates, select the most appropriate profiles, and deliver a shortlist of top candidates. These candidates have been interviewed face-to-face and, when possible, references have been checked.
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3. Interviews & Integration
Making the right match
The shortlist is reviewed together with the company and, if applicable, the private equity partner. Based on this, interviews follow at the company and, if relevant, the private equity firm. We ensure the candidate is optimally integrated within the organization.
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
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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.
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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.
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Our leadership and network
Ernst and Gwen together lead our executive search firm. They work with various partners, including Kira van Loon as a Finance specialist, and 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.
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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.
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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.