35 years of NAJ International and the people who shaped Polish business 35 years of NAJ International tell the story of Poland’s business transformation through the people who built companies, teams and new management standards. This is not only the history of one executive search firm. It is also the story of a market in …
Executive search firms ranking 2026 and global leadership hiring The executive search firms ranking 2026 shows more than the names of leading recruitment firms. For boards, owners and C-level leaders, it is a signal that executive search is moving from transactional hiring toward strategic advice, talent intelligence and AI-supported market insight. Hunt Scanlon reports that …
Key Challenges for CEOs in Poland in 2026 Key challenges for CEOs in Poland in 2026 revolve around five connected areas: profitability, growth, AI, talent, and risk. For leadership teams, these are no longer separate topics. They now shape one operating agenda. Polish CEOs are trying to protect margins while still building room for expansion. …
Cross-border projects and international recruitment: what Poland’s IESF journey means for companies hiring confidentially in Poland Cross-border projects and international recruitment matter far beyond a single assignment. For a CEO, a regional Head of Talent Acquisition, or an HR Director planning a move in Poland, they are a practical way to reduce hiring risk, protect …
The CEO Outlook for 2026 – Disciplined Execution in an Uncertain World CEO challenges 2026 are increasingly defined by disciplined execution in an environment that keeps changing. In this article, we summarise the CEO challenges 2026 based on insights from 909 CEO interviews across 23 countries. As a result, you will see the same pressures …
How Foreign Companies Can Recruit Effectively in Poland? Recruiting managers and specialists in Poland is a challenge faced by investors from countries such as Korea, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Denmark, as well as the USA and the UK. Poland offers highly qualified managers and engineers, a well-developed IT services sector, and a stable economic environment. …
Executive Search Case Study: Recruiting a Commercial Director in Poland’s Industrial Manufacturing and Technical Services Sector How We Found a Sales Leader Who Helped Rebuild a Company’s B2B Market Position About the Project For an international company operating in the industrial manufacturing and B2B technical services sector, we conducted a retained executive search in Poland …
Is It Worth Recruiting a Chief Accountant Mid‑Year? Debunking a Common Financial Industry Myth Chief Accountant Recruitment in Poland doesn’t need to wait until year-end. Many companies successfully hire throughout the year, and they often benefit from this flexibility. “I doubt whether recruiting a Chief Accountant mid‑year makes sense because respected accountants do not leave …
Global executive search firms ranking 2025 for leadership hiring The global executive search firms ranking helps boards, owners and C-level leaders compare recruitment partners before they enter an unfamiliar market. It is not a shortcut for due diligence, but it is a useful starting point when the next leadership hire carries real business risk. In …
New Challenges, New Energy – Summary of the IESF Regional Conference 2025 in Oslo Oslo, April 2025 – The capital of Norway, surrounded by fjords and bathed in spring light, became the setting for an inspiring gathering of representatives from the International Executive Search Federation (IESF) across Europe. The IESF 2025 Regional Conference was not …
Why an executive search guarantee matters in senior hiring An executive search guarantee protects a company when a senior hire does not meet expectations within an agreed period. It is not only a contractual clause, but also a signal that the recruitment agency takes responsibility for the quality of its process. For CEOs, HR Directors, …
Why Use DISC D3 in Executive Search? Recruiting top-level managers is not just about analyzing competencies but also about precisely matching them to the organizational culture and team dynamics. Over the years, our executive search agency has refined selection methods, and a key step was introducing DISC D3 tests—at the request of clients who noticed …
Can You Afford to Miss This Opportunity? Company’s Strategy and Waiting. Imagine your company standing at a crossroads, with new markets opening up and greater growth opportunities. In this story, success is no accident—it results from deliberate decisions made by people who know how to seize every chance. It is the right leaders in the …
The Most in-demand Roles in 2024 – Which Positions Dominated Executive Search Recruitment in Our Agency in Poland? One of the fundamental principles of executive search agencies is discretion. We rarely disclose for whom we conduct recruitment processes. That is why we are pleased to share a summary of all recruitment projects that our clients …
Key Challenges for CEOs in Poland in 2025 The key challenges for CEOs in Poland in 2025 are clear: geopolitical risk, labour shortages, energy costs, legal uncertainty, and the pressure to grow despite weaker demand. At the same time, Polish CEOs are not focused only on threats. They are also looking for practical ways to …
Assessment and Development Centre Assessment & Development Centre: The Key to Organizational Success In a world of dynamic market changes and growing competition, a company’s advantage increasingly depends on the quality of its management team and employees. Having talented individuals on the team is not enough – the key to success is to align them …
Challenges for CEOs in 2025. Global report from the IESF proprietary study Global markets are becoming increasingly unpredictable, and company CEOs are facing a wide range of challenges. As part of the first edition of the IESF Global CEO Outlook Study 2025, we conducted 640 interviews with CEOs from 18 countries to understand which issues …
Professional CV for Different Career Stages A professional CV should change as your career develops. An entry-level candidate, a specialist, a mid-level manager and a C-level executive all need to present different evidence of value. In 2026, recruiters still look for clarity, relevance and measurable achievements. Therefore, a strong CV is not a list of …
The Best Candidate? Effective Selection Methods Choosing the best candidate for a key role is rarely a purely rational decision. Even when the shortlist is strong and the data looks clear, managers still need to balance structured evaluation with intuition. Making hiring decisions is one of the biggest challenges every manager faces. Therefore, this article …
Emotions in the Process of Change: How to Help Your Team Adapt? A Practical Guide for Managers Leading a team through change is one of the greatest challenges in team management. Recently, I spoke with a Sales Director from a large corporation who encountered resistance and negativity from her team when implementing changes. Although the …
Key Concerns of CEOs 2024: Forecasts and Their Realization At the beginning of 2024, business leaders faced a series of challenges that had already emerged by the end of 2023. A global survey conducted by The Conference Board revealed the main concerns and priorities that were expected to dominate the actions of company boards worldwide. …
Executive search ROI and the real cost of hiring leaders Executive search ROI helps decision-makers compare the value of hiring a senior leader with the total cost of the recruitment process. It is especially important when the role affects productivity, continuity, turnover risk and strategic change. More often, companies considering recruitment outsourcing ask whether working …
In today’s fast-evolving recruitment landscape, staying ahead of the curve is not just a competitive advantage—it’s essential. As businesses worldwide navigate the challenges of talent acquisition, leadership development, and technological advancements, events like the IESF Annual Conference serve as a critical platform for thought leaders to come together and share insights that shape the future of …
5 Key Trends in Hiring C-Level Executives in 2025: How to Prepare for the Future Learn about the key trends in C-level Executives recruitment that will dominate 2025. See how globalization, digital transformation, and ESG will shape the future of leadership. Introduction Key trends in C-level recruitment for 2025 will determine the future of top-level …
The Age of Smart Industry: 10 trends in Manufacturing expected by 2030. Comparing the current manufacturing trends (2024) with anticipated trends by 2030 reveals a trajectory of increasing technological sophistication, sustainability, and responsiveness to global challenges. Here’s a comparison of 10 trends in smart industry: 1. Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0 Current (2024):The integration of …
Assessing C-Level Leadership Qualifications The competencies of a C-level manager include both strong professional skills and an awareness of their strengths, which requires a thorough self-assessment. Understanding your key skills is essential to creating an effective CV and planning your professional development. It is worth considering how to precisely identify those competencies that will not …
7 Principles of Culture fit. A Journey in Executive Search in Poland. In today’s global business environment, finding the right talent for executive positions is about more than just matching qualifications and experience. It is equally crucial to ensure cultural alignment between the candidate and the company for which the recruitment is conducted. At NAJ …
How to write an effective C-level manager CV? Writing a CV for a C-level position requires particular attention to quality and professionalism, as this document is crucial to your top-level career. Your CV should differ from your LinkedIn profile and be tailored to the specific position you are applying for. As a C-level manager, you …
Understanding the Executive Search recruitment process and each other’s expectations and needs. Candidate versus Executive Search Consultant. In the rapidly changing and competitive world of executive recruitment, both Candidates and Executive Search Consultants face unique challenges and opportunities. For Candidates, the Executive Search recruitment process can be a mix of excitement, anticipation and sometimes apprehension. …
Ideal Candidate for Executive Search Recruitment In the constantly changing world of corporate leadership, executive search recruitment is an essential element in finding and hiring the best talent for important roles within organizations. Finding outstanding leaders requires a strategic approach, and it is crucial to understand the qualities that make a candidate suitable for executive …
Confidential Hiring in Poland. 7 Situations When It Matters Confidential hiring in Poland matters whenever a visible recruitment process could damage your business plan, create internal disruption, or leak competitive intelligence. In practice, confidentiality protects three things: your strategy, your current leaders, and the candidates you want to attract. Table of contents What “confidential hiring …
Effective Executive Search Recruitment: 10 Myths About Executive Search in Poland 1. Myth 1: Only large companies can afford executive search In reality, executive search services are available to companies of all sizes. The benefits of hiring the right leader can significantly outweigh the recruitment costs, regardless of the company’s size. Small and medium-sized enterprises …
Recruitment agency fees and what affects the price Recruitment agency fees depend on the scope of work, the difficulty of the role and the level of responsibility the agency takes for the result. In practice, the same “recruitment service” can mean a simple CV delivery or a full executive search project with assessment, reporting, negotiation …
Recruitments for HR Directors in European SSCs. As an experienced consultant specializing in C-level recruitments including recruitments for HR Directors for Shared Services Centers (SSCs) across Europe, I have had the privilege of working closely with many HR Directors. I understand the unique challenges and opportunities that this role faces. From my base in Poland, …
Successsful Recruitment of Chief Accountants Experiences and Challenges Experience in recruiting Chief Accountants spans working with companies of various sizes, from small businesses to international corporations. We are proud to say that many of my candidates have not only successfully taken up positions but have also significantly improved the financial efficiency of their companies. One …
Executive Recruitment in Poland’s Wind Energy Sector: Challenges and Opportunities Poland’s commitment to renewable energy, particularly wind energy, is experiencing dynamic growth. This sector, driven by governmental support and international collaborations, necessitates skilled executives to handle technological advancements, regulatory changes, and complex market dynamics. Based on our experience in recruitment projects for Wind Energy seactor …
Navigating Transformative Changes in Executive Search: Insights from the IESF Conference 2024 Lozanne Switzerland. Navigating Transformative Changes in Executive Search. The Executive Search industry, often regarded as a barometer for economic trends and corporate health, gathered for the annual regional conference organized by the International Executive Search Federation (IESF) on April 3rd, 2024. We thank …
Unlocking International Growth: A Case Study in Strategic Talent Acquisition As the global marketplace evolves, businesses are constantly seeking avenues for expansion into new territories. However, the journey towards international growth is often fraught with challenges, particularly when it comes to securing the right leadership talent to drive success in foreign markets. A recent success …
The synergy between the Agency and the in-house Recruitment Department Why do companies with their in-house Recruitment Departments still use the services of Recruitment Agencies? In today’s dynamic business world, talent recruitment is a key element of every company’s success strategy. Many businesses choose to establish their own recruitment department to meet their staffing needs. …
How do we react to long and very long employment in one company? One of the most important aspects that catches the attention of recruiters is the length of tenure in one company. Is long-term employment in one place an asset, or could it be a cause for concern? By long, I mean several years, …
More Women on Boards in top positions: A new perspective in executive search. Diversification and Inclusion Across Poland and Europe, there’s an observable trend towards hiring more women in executive boards and managerial positions. A common challenge remains: breaking the barriers that limit their presence in these roles. For example despite Polish women possessing the …
IESF sets new global standards with a unified Quality Search Process In a landmark move, the International Executive Search Federation (IESF) has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to standardise executive search processes across its global network. This comes after an intensive collaborative effort culminating in a unanimous agreement among partners during the 2023 Annual General Meeting …
From Business to Cultural Institutions? Is the migration of candidates between the commercial sector and arts and culture institutions possible? The Polish arts and culture scene is currently undergoing an intense process of change, facing new new challenges in almost every area of its activities. At the same time, it opens up fascinating possibilities in …
References Media Advertisement Entertainment Some profiles of companies and references in the Media Advertisement Entertainment sector. When checking out a recruitment and consultancy company, Clients would like to know about the agency’s experience in the area they are interested in. To respond to this demand and, at the same time, to preserve the confidentiality conditions …
References FMCG Some of the profiles of our customers in the area of FMCG companies. When checking out a recruitment and consultancy company, Clients would like to know about the agency’s experience in the area they are interested in. To respond to this demand and, at the same time, to preserve the confidentiality conditions we …
References Banks Leasing Insurance companies Some of the profiles of our customers and References Banks Leasing Insurance companies. When checking out a recruitment and consultancy company, Clients would like to know about the agency’s experience in the area they are interested in. To respond to this demand and, at the same time, to preserve the confidentiality …
References Distribution Logistics Retail Companies Some of the profiles of our customers and References Distribution Logistics Retail . When checking out a recruitment and consultancy company, Clients would like to know about the agency’s experience in the area they are interested in. To respond to this demand and, at the same time, to preserve the …
References Telecommunication and IT companies Some of the profiles of our customers and references Telecommunication and IT. When checking out a recruitment and consultancy company, Clients would like to know about the agency’s experience in the area they are interested in. To respond to this demand and, at the same time, to preserve the confidentiality …
How to give yourself “career insurance” during uncertain times? In a time of so much uncertainty, many professionals feel unmoored. We can’t control the public health situation or the broader economy. But when it comes to our careers, we don’t have to sit back and wait for things to happen to us. Here are four …
Information, Technology & Telecoms: Sector Specifics, Challenges, and Trends for the Coming Years Recruitments for IT Telecoms. The Information, Technology & Telecoms (IT&T) sector plays a crucial role in today’s globalized world, driving innovation, economic growth, and enabling dynamic changes in other industries. CEOs and HR directors face numerous challenges due to the rapid pace …
Analysis of the Consumer Goods & Services (FMCG) Sector – Challenges and Trends for Decision Makers Introduction The consumer goods and services sector (FMCG – Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) is one of the most dynamic and competitive segments of the global economy. Companies operating in this sector must face numerous challenges related to rapidly changing consumer …
Construction, Building, Utilities & Energy Sector: Challenges and Trends for Decision Makers Introduction The Construction, Building, Utilities & Energy sector plays a crucial role in the global economy, impacting every aspect of our lives, from transportation infrastructure to access to energy and utility services. Decision-makers in companies operating in this sector face unique challenges that …
Sector: Current Situation and Future Trends Introduction The Pharma & Health Care sector is one of the most critical and fastest-growing segments of the global economy. Faced with global health challenges such as pandemics, aging populations, and rising healthcare costs, companies operating in this sector must confront many unique challenges. This description aims to present the …
References Construction Building Energy Sector Some of the profiles of our customers and references Construction Building Energy. When checking out a recruitment and consultancy company, Clients would like to know about the agency’s experience in the area they are interested in. To respond to this demand and, at the same time, to preserve the confidentiality …
References for Pharmaceutical companies Some of the profiles of our customers and references for Pharmaceutical companies considering a recruitment and consultancy company, potential clients are interested in knowing about the agency’s experience in their specific area of interest. In order to meet this demand while maintaining confidentiality in our contracts with clients, we have created sample …
References for Manufacturing Companies Some of the profiles of our customers and references in the area of Manufacturing . When checking out a recruitment and consultancy company, Clients would like to know about the agency’s experience in the area they are interested in. To respond to this demand and, at the same time, to preserve …
Global recruitments. Global meeting IESF Singapure 2023 All Managing Partners of the recruitment agencies that make up the International Executive Search Federation met for our annual global performance review meeting for the twenty-first time. This year in Singapore. This AGM transcended the ordinary, evolving into a jubilant celebration of ‘Synergy.’ Amidst the bustling metropolis, we …
Media, Advertising & Entertainment: Current Situation and Trends for the Coming Years The Media, Advertising & Entertainment (MAE) sector plays a crucial role in the global economy, shaping public opinion, influencing consumer behavior, and providing entertainment on a massive scale. In the era of digitization and globalization, this industry is undergoing dynamic changes, presenting new …
Becoming CEO. 7 Tips. 7 Hidden Signs You’ll Ultimately Becoming CEO. Climbing the corporate ladder to reach the C-suite is akin to ascending Mount Everest, challenging, time-consuming, and fraught with obstacles. While not a life-or-death endeavour, it requires a unique set of qualities and behaviours. Based on an analysis of today’s top corporate leaders, this …
Executive Search in Poland Handbook for International Employers Warsaw | Poznan | Wroclaw | Krakow | Katowice | Lodz | Lublin | Białystok | Szczecin | Gdansk | All Poland and CEE Region Executive Search in Poland at NAJ International is a structured client process, not a CV-delivery service. We help international employers define the …
References NGO Cultural Institutions When searching for a recruitment and consultancy company, clients want to know about the agency’s experience in the area they are interested in. To respond to this demand and, at the same time, to maintain the confidentiality conditions we have in our contracts with clients, we have prepared sample profiles of …
Selected positions for which we have recruited for this sector Advisor for Animal Nutrition, Area Sales Manager, Assortment Manager, Brand Marketing Manager, Business to Dealers Manager, Buyer, Cereal Purchase Manager, Chief Accountant, Financial Analyst, Food Technologist, HR BP, Human Resources Manager, Infrastructure Maintenance Manager, In-House Lawyer, Key Account Manager, Process Meat Technologist, Production Manager, Production …
Is it the right time for the internationalisation of managerial talent? Are managers open to working outside their country? Do companies open up to hiring managers from other countries due to home office more likely? We report on a survey conducted in 17 countries at the end of 2022. In the final quarter of 2022, …
NGO, Cultural Institutions, and Museums Sector: Challenges and Trends for Decision-Makers Introduction The NGO, cultural institutions, and museums sector plays a crucial role in society by offering diverse educational, cultural, and social services. General managers, HR directors, regional HR directors, and talent acquisition managers need to understand the unique challenges these organizations face. In an …
Manufacturing Agriculture Sector: Challenges, Trends, and Perspectives for Decision Makers The Manufacturing Agriculture sector, encompassing agricultural production, is one of the most vital and dynamically developing sectors of the global economy. It includes the production, processing, and distribution of food and other agricultural products. For decision-makers in roles such as general managers, HR directors, regional …
Retail, Distribution & Logistics: Current Landscape and Future Trends Introduction The Retail, Distribution & Logistics sector is a cornerstone of the global economy, encompassing a wide range of activities from warehousing and inventory management to transportation and retailing. As companies strive to meet the ever-evolving demands of consumers and businesses, the sector faces unique challenges …
International recruitments in the US are a challenge for many companies. International recruitments in the US are a challenging task for many companies. Recent years brought a very dynamic development of Polish companies on international markets. Our agency is increasingly often approached by companies seriously considering expanding into Western markets. One of the biggest challenges […]
International Executive Search Services in the Netherlands But what if I have International Executive Search in the Netherlands? Polish companies have been growing dynamically in recent years, and they recruit international managers in the Netherlands. In 2014 NAJ International joined the International Executive Search Federation. It happened because we knew then that it would benefit …
The role of the assignor in challenging international search projects IESF France and IESF Israel demonstrated strong corporation despite difficult cultural and economic circumstances International Search Projects (case study Isreal | France). Partners of IESF, an international network of Executive Search firms, regularly work together on cross-border assignments. Each project highlights new challenges and learnings. …
We all need to get better at time management Effective time management is crucial for success in both personal and professional realms. To master this skill, follow these essential rules. Firstly, prioritise tasks based on urgency and importance. This ensures that critical activities receive immediate attention, preventing procrastination. Secondly, create a detailed schedule or to-do …
NAJ International provides International Recruitments and Executive Search Services for managerial positions in Poland and within 22 countries through the International Executive Search Federation. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
The oldest recruitment company in Poland is celebrating its over 30 years in Poland! Over 30 years in Recruitment and Executive Search in Poland. I wondered how to list the hundreds of companies that have trusted us throughout these 30 years. On the one hand, it is difficult because we are obliged by the confidentiality …
Recruitment agency cooperation models success fee or retainer? Recruitment agency cooperation models should be compared by scope, risk and quality, not only by the moment of payment. The question “Do you work on success fee?” may be useful, but it should not be the first and only criterion when choosing a recruitment partner. In practice, …
How to choose a recruitment agency for your company How to choose a recruitment agency starts with one decision: define what support your company really needs. A good partner should match the role, market, seniority level and the way your company wants to work with candidates. This question usually appears when a company has already …
When to start considering cooperation with a recruitment agency? The answer to this question is not simple. Usually, a recruitment agency comes into consideration when all available recruitment methods “on our own” have already been used. This approach gives the organisation financial savings. Outsourcing recruitment to an external recruitment company obviously results in costs related …
Global Executive Search Poland, Europe, Asia, Americas, Africa Global Executive Search Poland and recruitment have become integral parts of our clients’ business development strategies. Consequently, they seek a reliable recruitment partner, and we are pleased to offer our services. If you are interested in our international recruitment services or have questions, please request a free …
Market Mapping Market mapping services are becoming increasingly popular among companies in today’s dynamic business world. This sophisticated tool provides businesses with a comprehensive view of their industry, competitors, and potential opportunities, giving them a strategic advantage. By leveraging market mapping, organisations can navigate the complex business terrain with precision and make informed decisions that …
Agile Leadership Value-based management, Positive Leadership, Situational Leadership or Total Quality Management. There is an overload of concepts that provide input on how leadership should be approached. The new fad is Agile Leadership. But why is Agile Leadership the new black? Unpredictability, high speed, complexity and customers demanding more value, require that some of the …
Award for NAJ International 2019. Poland Emerges Victorious in IESF’s Global Recruitment Projects Ranking In the dynamic world of executive search, competition is fierce, and excellence is the key to success. Each year, the International Executive Search Federation (IESF) conducts a comprehensive assessment to identify the country that has successfully executed the highest number of …
What is the Polish Manager like? What is a Polish Manager like? Polish C-level Manager/Director/Board Member/Executive is a person raised in the last 30 years of the new economy – a 40-60 years old person. He has experience working in at least two organizations. However, there are also professionals whose careers are composed of, e.g. …
Article by Pia Torreck Partner at Ingvardsen ll Partners and Philip Santilhano, Stud.Psych, Copenhagen University Do personality tests work in Executive Search? The answer to this question depends on how the test is implemented and which tests are being used. Despite the fact that we tend to understand personality and identity as something static and predictable, …
An article by Andréa de Paula Santos, Partner at Ascend Executive Search – Brazil. We live in a time where the internet gives us unlimited access to knowledge and information; virtual communication allows contact with diverse cultures, travelling around the world is more and more accessible and common, and geographical boundaries are no barriers to accessing cultural, political, …
Global Conference IESF 2018 Lyon in France | Prize for NAJ International. Poland Triumphs as Global Recruitment Leader: A Proud Achievement for NAJ International At this semantic meeting in Lyon/France, we approved the three-year term of the current president, Normand Lebeau. At the same time we handed over the Presidency of the IESF to the …
Banking, Finance & Legal Services: Challenges and Trends in the Coming Years The Banking Leasing Insurers Sector is one of the global economy’s most dynamic and crucial pillars. CEOs, HR directors, regional HR directors, and talent acquisition managers, especially those working in manufacturing companies, need to be aware that changes and challenges in this sector …
Manufacturing Industrial Products: Understanding the Sector and Its Challenges in 2024 and Beyond Recruitments for Manufacturing Companies. Sector Industrial Products sector remains a vital component of the global economy, involving the production of goods using labor, machinery, tools, and various processing technologies. This sector spans a broad spectrum, from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) to Tier-1, …