Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC)

The Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC) is a professional association that sets the quality standard for the executive search and leadership consulting profession. It was established in 1959 and has been dedicated to strengthening leadership worldwide ever since.

AESC members include a wide range of executive search and leadership consulting firms, from large global firms to regional and boutique firms. These firms are comprised of over 16,000 trusted professionals, spread across 1450+ offices in more than 70 countries. They specialize in finding, placing, and developing executives for board and C-level positions in organizations of all types and sizes.

The Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC) has a rich history that dates back to its establishment in 1959. It was founded with the aim of setting the quality standard for the executive search and leadership consulting profession and has been a driving force in the industry ever since.

In its early years, AESC focused on bringing together a community of executive search professionals who were committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality and professionalism. The association served as a platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and the exchange of best practices among its members.

Over time, AESC expanded its reach and influence, attracting top executive search and leadership consulting firms from around the world. By providing a platform for these firms to come together, AESC created a global network of trusted professionals who were dedicated to delivering excellence in executive talent and leadership advisory solutions.

As the executive search industry evolved, AESC played a crucial role in adapting to the changing needs and demands of clients. The association has consistently emphasized the importance of innovation and staying ahead of emerging trends in the field. By embracing new technologies and methodologies, AESC and its members have been able to provide cutting-edge solutions to their clients and effectively navigate the evolving business landscape.

AESC has also been instrumental in promoting ethical and professional practices within the executive search and leadership consulting profession. The association developed a stringent Code of Professional Practice that its members must adhere to, ensuring the highest levels of integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism in their work. By vetting its members against these rigorous standards, AESC has built a reputation for excellence and trustworthiness in the industry.

Throughout its history, AESC has been a champion for the value and impact of executive search and leadership consulting. The association has worked tirelessly to raise the visibility and understanding of the profession among business leaders, organizations, and the public. By showcasing the significant role that executive search and leadership consulting play in identifying top talent, driving organizational success, and shaping the future of industries, AESC has positioned itself as a thought leader in the field.

Today, AESC continues to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing needs of its members and the clients they serve. The association remains committed to strengthening leadership worldwide and delivering the future of global leadership through collaboration, innovation, and a deep commitment to the highest quality standards in the profession.

The Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC) has clear goals and a distinct purpose that guides its activities and initiatives. The association's primary focus is to advance and promote the executive search and leadership consulting profession, while also ensuring the highest standards of quality, ethics, and professionalism among its members. The goals and purpose of AESC can be summarized as follows:

• Setting Standards: AESC aims to establish and maintain the bar for ethical standards and professional conduct in the executive search and leadership consulting profession. The association sets guidelines and codes of practice that its members must adhere to, ensuring that they consistently deliver exceptional service and act in the best interests of their clients, candidates, and the profession as a whole.
• Professional Development: AESC is committed to fostering the ongoing professional development of its members. The association provides tools, resources, and best practice guidelines that enhance the business success of its members. By offering continuous learning opportunities, AESC helps its members stay at the forefront of industry trends, methodologies, and innovative practices.
• Thought Leadership: AESC strives to be a leading authority and trusted source of knowledge and insights in the executive search and leadership consulting field. The association conducts research, produces publications, and shares industry insights that inform its members and educate the broader community. AESC's thought leadership initiatives contribute to the advancement of the profession and promote the value of executive search and leadership consulting.
• Advocacy: AESC represents the interests of its members and the profession as a whole on important matters such as best practices, legal issues, and public policy. The association serves as a voice for the executive search and leadership consulting industry, actively engaging with policymakers, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders to shape policies that support the profession and its impact on businesses and organizations.
• Client and Candidate Engagement: AESC aims to foster positive relationships between clients, candidates, and its members. The association provides a platform for clients and candidates to understand the benefits and value of working with AESC members. Through initiatives like the AESC Client Bill of Rights and Candidate Bill of Rights, AESC sets clear expectations and ensures that clients and candidates receive the highest level of service, confidentiality, and professionalism.
• Global Collaboration: AESC facilitates collaboration and knowledge-sharing among its members, who are leading executive search and leadership consulting firms from around the world. The association encourages members to share best practices, exchange ideas, and collaborate on projects, fostering a global network of professionals committed to delivering exceptional results and driving organizational success.

The Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC) has made a significant impact on the executive search and leadership consulting profession, as well as on the clients, candidates, and the broader business community it serves. The association's initiatives, standards, and commitment to excellence have shaped the industry and brought about positive outcomes in various ways.

• Upholding Professionalism and Ethics: AESC has played a pivotal role in setting and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and ethics within the executive search and leadership consulting field. By establishing a stringent Code of Professional Practice that its members must adhere to, AESC ensures that clients and candidates receive trustworthy and transparent services. This commitment to professionalism has bolstered the reputation of the industry and built trust among stakeholders.
• Enhancing Client Experiences: AESC's focus on client satisfaction and service excellence has had a direct impact on organizations seeking executive search and leadership consulting services. Through the AESC Client Bill of Rights and other initiatives, the association has outlined clear expectations for clients, ensuring they receive exceptional service, rigorous methodologies, confidentiality, and effective solutions to their leadership needs. AESC members are recognized for their commitment to exceeding client expectations and delivering high-quality results.
• Elevating Candidate Experiences: AESC recognizes the importance of respecting candidate confidentiality and treating candidates with professionalism and fairness throughout the executive search process. By advocating for candidate rights and providing guidelines through the AESC Candidate Bill of Rights, the association has improved the experiences of candidates, ensuring they are treated with respect and provided with valuable career resources and opportunities.
• Thought Leadership and Industry Insights: AESC serves as a thought leader in the executive search and leadership consulting profession. The association conducts research, produces publications, and shares industry insights that inform its members and the broader business community. AESC's contributions help shape the understanding of leadership trends, organizational challenges, and best practices, enabling businesses to make informed decisions and stay ahead in a rapidly changing business landscape.
• Representation: AESC actively advocates for the interests of its members and the profession as a whole. The association represents the executive search and leadership consulting industry on matters related to best practices, legal issues, and public policy. AESC's engagement with policymakers and regulatory bodies helps shape policies that support the profession's growth, foster fair competition, and enable organizations to access the best leadership talent.
• Global Network and Collaboration: AESC has built a global network of leading executive search and leadership consulting firms. This network facilitates collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and innovation among its members. By fostering a community of professionals committed to excellence, AESC enables its members to provide cutting-edge solutions and insights to clients worldwide.