Christian & Timbers Review 2025: Features, Pros, Cons, and Top Alternatives

Christian & Timbers is a top-tier executive search firm specializing in recruiting AI-focused leaders for senior roles. With a 40+ year history and over 5,000 C-suite placements, it caters to organizations seeking transformative leadership in tech-driven industries. However, its premium fees (20–35% of annual compensation) and exclusive focus on senior roles make it a better fit for large enterprises with significant budgets.

If you're exploring options, here's a quick breakdown of Christian & Timbers and its competitors:

• Christian & Timbers: Best for senior tech leadership, particularly in AI, with a retained search model.
• Korn Ferry: A global leader offering executive search and leadership consulting, ideal for large enterprises.
• Spencer Stuart: Known for board-level placements and governance expertise, serving Fortune 500 companies.
• Remotely Talents: A subscription-based model focusing on remote, mid-senior roles, offering cost-effective solutions for startups and scaling businesses.

Key takeaway: Christian & Timbers excels in high-stakes, senior executive placements but may not suit smaller companies or those needing faster, budget-friendly solutions. For startups or businesses prioritizing cost efficiency, modern platforms like Remotely Talents or AI-driven tools provide viable alternatives.

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1. Christian & Timbers

Christian & Timbers is a boutique executive search firm with a global presence, specializing in recruiting top-tier technology leaders. With years of expertise in executive placements, the firm has carved out a niche in placing C-suite executives, board members, and technology specialists.

Services Offered

Christian & Timbers focuses on recruiting C-level executives, identifying board members, and filling technology specialist roles in key sectors of the tech industry. Their portfolio includes high-profile placements such as Carly Fiorina as CEO of Hewlett-Packard and board member searches for Apple during Steve Jobs' leadership. More recently, they placed Jyothi Gorti as Chief Digital Officer at SiTime in 2024.

Global Reach

With headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio, and Amsterdam, Netherlands, Christian & Timbers serves major technology hubs worldwide. The firm has built strong relationships with leading tech companies like Cisco, Google, and Netflix, bolstering its reputation as a trusted partner in executive recruitment. Their international reach allows them to deliver a personalized, high-touch search service to clients across the globe.

Pricing Model

Christian & Timbers operates on a retained search model, charging between 20–35% of the executive’s annual salary. Pricing specifics aren’t publicly available, as the firm requires direct consultations to provide tailored cost estimates. This aligns with their boutique approach, emphasizing customized and high-quality service.

Best Fit Scenario

The firm is an excellent choice for companies seeking C-level leaders in technology-driven industries, especially those described as "AI-native" or undergoing digital transformation. Christian & Timbers is particularly well-suited for businesses in areas like artificial intelligence, FinTech, SaaS, and e-commerce. Their expertise in sourcing leaders with advanced technical skills makes them a go-to option for fast-growing tech sectors. Organizations with the budget and need for top-tier executive placements will benefit from the firm’s industry connections and specialized approach.

2. Korn Ferry

After exploring Christian & Timbers, let’s dive into Korn Ferry, a major force in the executive search industry. Known for its global leadership in executive search services, Korn Ferry has earned consistent recognition from Forbes as one of America’s top executive search firms. With a team of over 11,000 professionals operating from 130+ offices in more than 50 countries, the firm has built a reputation as a trusted advisory partner for leadership and organizational solutions.

Services Offered

Korn Ferry goes far beyond traditional executive search. Their offerings include leadership assessments, organizational design, talent management, professional development, and executive coaching. They are particularly skilled in handling enterprise transformations and high-stakes global board or C-suite placements. Their expertise spans over 50 industries, including aerospace & defense, healthcare, high-tech & semiconductors, financial services, and energy & natural resources.

In August 2025, Korn Ferry earned top honors in the Everest Group's Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) Services PEAK Matrix® Assessment. The firm was recognized as a "Leader" in Asia Pacific, North America, and EMEA (Europe, the Middle East, and Africa), with additional accolades as a "Star Performer" in North America. These awards highlighted their advanced AI-driven recruiting workflows and deep understanding of regional markets.

Global Reach

Korn Ferry’s global footprint extends across North America, Asia Pacific, EMEA, and Latin America, making it a truly international player in the executive search and consulting space.

"We unlock the potential in your people and unleash transformation across your business - synchronizing strategy, operations, and talent to accelerate performance, fuel growth, and inspire a legacy of change. That's why the world's most forward-thinking companies across every major industry turn to us - for a shared commitment to lasting impact and the bold ambition to Be More Than." - Korn Ferry

Pricing Model

Korn Ferry uses a retained search model, charging 33% of the first-year total cash compensation (including base salary and bonuses) for the placed candidate. Their services come with a minimum fee of $80,000 per engagement. Payments are divided into three installments, with the first due upon proposal acceptance. Additional expenses, such as advertising, travel, lodging, or reproduction services, may apply, alongside administrative charges of up to 12% of the retainer fee. On average, a typical engagement costs around $109,000.

To add value, Korn Ferry offers a 12-month placement guarantee. If a candidate is terminated for performance-related reasons within the first year, the firm commits to conducting a new search without charging additional professional fees. This structure reflects their focus on delivering quality placements for large enterprises.

Best Fit Scenario

Korn Ferry is best suited for large enterprises seeking more than just executive placement. Their services are ideal for organizations looking to fill high-level executive or board roles while benefiting from a global network and deep industry expertise. Their strengths lie in tackling complex enterprise transformations and managing global operations across major sectors. Companies in healthcare, businesses undergoing transformation, or those with cross-border hiring needs will find Korn Ferry’s regional expertise and AI-driven recruiting capabilities particularly valuable.

3. Spencer Stuart

Spencer Stuart stands as the largest privately owned executive search firm, with a presence spanning 70 offices across 33 countries. This global leader has forged strong partnerships with the majority of Fortune 500 companies. A major milestone for the firm came in 2021 when its annual revenue surpassed $1 billion for the first time.

Services Offered

Spencer Stuart delivers more than traditional recruitment, offering a wide range of executive search and leadership consulting services. Key areas of expertise include global executive search, leadership consulting, leadership training, strategic planning, digital transformation, executive coaching, and board services. They are particularly skilled in board recruitment, evaluation, and advisory services, as well as CEO succession planning, which incorporates assessment and development. Additionally, they provide consulting on diversity and inclusion.

Their industry expertise spans sectors such as healthcare, technology, consumer goods, financial services, and energy. Over the years, Spencer Stuart has managed some of the most prominent CEO searches in the U.S., showcasing their ability to handle complex, high-stakes leadership transitions.

Global Reach

With a strong international footprint, Spencer Stuart serves multinational corporations by combining local market insights with the expertise of multilingual consultants.

The firm’s global influence is evident in their involvement in high-profile CEO searches. For instance, in June 2012, Yahoo! enlisted Spencer Stuart to find a replacement for former CEO Scott Thompson. Similarly, in June 2015, Twitter's board turned to them to replace former CEO Dick Costolo. Most recently, in December 2024, Spencer Stuart was tasked by Intel Corp. to find a successor for CEO Pat Gelsinger.

Pricing Model

Spencer Stuart’s premium pricing reflects its positioning in the top tier of the market. On average, placement costs hover around $109,000. This approach aligns with their focus on serving large organizations with complex leadership needs and substantial executive compensation packages.

Best Fit Scenario

Spencer Stuart is an ideal choice for large corporations, Fortune 500 companies, private equity firms, and non-profits seeking top-tier executive placements and comprehensive leadership advisory services. Their expertise is especially valuable for multinational firms requiring cross-border executive searches and a nuanced understanding of local market dynamics. Organizations navigating significant leadership transitions, such as CEO succession or board restructuring, will find Spencer Stuart’s extensive experience and global network indispensable for managing these critical changes. Their services are tailored to enterprises that demand high-level executive placements across borders and industries.

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4. Remotely Talents

Remotely Talents is reshaping the hiring landscape by connecting U.S.-based companies with top-tier remote professionals from Europe and Latin America. Founded by Adomas Pranevicius, the agency takes a modern, flexible approach to building distributed teams, offering a subscription-based model that stands apart from traditional recruitment methods.

Services Offered

Remotely Talents specializes in filling senior-level roles across marketing, operations, technology, customer success, finance, and business development. Unlike conventional executive search firms that focus on C-suite positions, this Recruitment-as-a-Service (RaaS) platform caters to businesses seeking experienced professionals below the executive level.

To ensure quality, the agency rigorously vets candidates through skills assessments, structured interviews, and evaluations for compatibility with company values and team dynamics. Each client works with a dedicated senior talent acquisition manager who oversees the entire hiring process, supported by AI-driven matching technology and an advanced applicant tracking system.

Beyond recruitment, Remotely Talents provides compliance and payroll support for international hires. This includes navigating labor laws, meeting employment standards in various countries, and offering guidance on onboarding and managing remote teams. These services make it easier for U.S. companies to access a global talent pool while staying compliant.

Global Reach

Focusing on professionals from Europe and Latin America, Remotely Talents offers U.S. companies access to skilled candidates in time zones that align well with North American work hours. This approach not only ensures smoother collaboration but also provides cost advantages and a wide range of expertise. The agency places a strong emphasis on aligning cultural and time-zone compatibility to enhance team efficiency.

Pricing Model

Remotely Talents stands out with its straightforward subscription-based pricing, avoiding the high percentage-based fees typical of traditional executive search firms.

• On-Demand Plan: $1,450.00 per month per open role, with no long-term commitment and a 90-day replacement guarantee.
• Partner Plan: $1,000.00 per month, offering unlimited hiring (one active role at a time) with a 12-month commitment.

For example, the Partner Plan costs $12,000.00 annually, significantly less than the $30,000.00 placement fee under a 25% retained model.

Best Fit Scenario

Remotely Talents is ideal for startups, scale-ups, and mid-sized businesses looking to expand their remote teams without incurring the hefty costs of traditional recruitment. It’s particularly effective for companies with recurring hiring needs, remote-first operations, or those seeking global talent at a more accessible price point. However, it may not be the best choice for highly specialized C-suite or board-level roles requiring extensive industry research.

Take GrowthX, a San Francisco SaaS startup, as an example. In July 2025, they hired a Senior Marketing Manager from Argentina through Remotely Talents in just 10 days. This move reduced hiring costs by 52% compared to U.S. market rates, and the new hire drove a 38% increase in inbound leads during Q3 2025.

Similarly, in May 2025, Miami-based fintech firm Fintechly used Remotely Talents to hire a Head of Operations from Poland. The process took only 8 days and saved the company $45,000.00 annually compared to traditional executive search fees.

Pros and Cons Analysis

Building on the earlier discussion of features and pricing, let’s dive into the strengths and weaknesses of each recruitment firm. Choosing the right partner involves weighing trade-offs to align with your hiring goals and budget. Below is a table summarizing the key advantages and challenges of each firm.

This comparison highlights the stark differences in cost and service models. For instance, traditional firms charge significantly higher fees compared to subscription-based options. Take Remotely Talents’ Partner Plan as an example - it costs just $12,000 annually for unlimited hiring, a fraction of what traditional firms charge.

Traditional firms like Christian & Timbers shine in searches for transformational leaders. Their rigorous vetting processes and well-established industry networks make them an excellent choice for CEO placements or navigating new market expansions. However, the rising salaries for AI and cybersecurity executives in 2025 mean these premium services come with hefty price tags.

On the other hand, subscription-based models provide predictable costs and faster hiring timelines, making them well-suited for rapidly growing companies, especially in tech. These models align with the fast-paced demands of modern business environments.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your organization’s specific needs. If you’re seeking board-level expertise or managing complex succession planning, established firms offer the discretion and experience required. Meanwhile, companies building remote teams or needing to fill multiple senior roles quickly may find subscription models more practical and budget-friendly.

Conclusion

Christian & Timbers has made its mark as a leader in senior executive placements. Operating on a retained model, the firm charges fees ranging from 20–35% of annual compensation, focusing exclusively on senior-level roles.

For Fortune 500 companies requiring board-level succession planning or top-tier executive talent, the firm delivers unmatched discretion, extensive industry connections, and a thorough vetting process that justifies its premium pricing.

That said, the executive search landscape is evolving. By 2025, the global executive search market is expected to surpass $20.6 billion, with many organizations leaning toward more flexible and cost-effective hiring options.

"The traditional C-suite is evolving. For agile startups and scaling businesses, the high cost and long-term commitment of a full-time executive can be a significant barrier to growth. Enter the rise of fractional leadership. Part-time executive positions offer a powerful strategic advantage, providing access to world-class expertise without the C-suite price tag." – Jacob Sheldon, Shiny Blog

While Christian & Timbers remains a top choice for high-stakes, traditional searches, newer recruitment models are gaining traction. For example, AI-powered platforms like Juicebox provide multi-source search capabilities for $119–$179 per month per seat, reportedly achieving 2–3× higher candidate engagement compared to standard job postings. These subscription-based services can deliver leadership shortlists in as little as five days, a stark contrast to the longer timelines associated with retained search firms.

For large enterprises prioritizing discretion, industry expertise, and access to passive candidates, Christian & Timbers is an excellent partner. However, for startups or scaling businesses that need faster, more agile solutions, alternative models like AI-driven platforms may better suit their needs.

The stakes are high - making the wrong executive hire can cost an average of 213% of the individual's annual salary. Choosing the right recruitment partner requires balancing expertise, speed, and cost-efficiency to meet the demands of today's dynamic business environment.

FAQs

Why is Christian & Timbers a top choice for hiring senior executives in AI?

Christian & Timbers stands out in hiring senior executives for AI roles thanks to their focused expertise in AI leadership recruitment and a customized, data-driven approach. They have an impressive history of matching top-tier AI professionals with organizations that prioritize advancements in the field, making them a reliable choice in this fast-changing industry.

By incorporating AI technology into their recruitment strategies, the firm can quickly identify and place impactful leaders in key positions, such as Chief AI Officer. Their in-depth knowledge of AI-driven sectors positions them as a trusted ally for businesses aiming to stay ahead in the AI landscape.

How does Christian & Timbers' pricing compare to other executive search firms?

Christian & Timbers operates on a retained search model, where clients typically pay a retainer fee or a percentage of the candidate's annual salary - usually falling between 20% and 35%. This pricing structure is common among top-tier executive search firms, as it reflects their commitment to delivering tailored, high-level services for senior executive placements.

Unlike firms that offer fixed or transparent pricing, Christian & Timbers customizes fees based on individual agreements. While this approach can lead to higher costs compared to subscription-based recruitment models, it underscores their focus on delivering expertise and precision in executive hiring.

When is Christian & Timbers the right choice for executive recruitment over newer models?

Christian & Timbers stands out as a go-to firm for businesses in need of senior-level placements, especially for C-suite and board-level positions. They bring a sharp focus to industries that evolve quickly, such as AI, cybersecurity, and high-growth tech.

Their approach is particularly suited for organizations that prioritize lasting partnerships and in-depth industry expertise. By leveraging a tailored, data-driven strategy, they excel at connecting companies with top leadership talent - perfect for navigating competitive or highly specialized markets.

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