Staffing Industry Analysts forecasts retained search revenue to rise 5% this year to $7.5 billion. And looking back, SIA estimates there were 18 firms that generated at least $25 million in US retained search revenue in 2020.
The three largest providers of retained search in terms of revenue in 2020 were:
- Spencer Stuart
- Korn Ferry (NYSE: KFY)
- Heidrick & Struggles International (NASDAQ: HSII)
Retained search is also this week’s Staffing Word of the Week. SIA’s Lexicon defines retained search as:
“Service provided by an executive search firm to locate a candidate for a specific position at a client company. Under a retained search arrangement, a fee is payable whether or not a hire is made.”
The full Lexicon is available free online.