C-Level and Senior Leadership Recruitment for France and Germany
Identifying and securing senior leaders for business critical roles across France and Germany
The Moment You Feel The Need To Tightly Manage Someone, You Have Made A Hiring Mistake
- Jim Collins
What We Do
Apollo Executive Search is Apollo’s dedicated service for Franco-German executive search and senior leadership recruitment in France and Germany. Founded in 2013, Apollo is today the market leader in Franco-German executive search for C-level, director level and executive positions, supporting companies operating across both markets where precise hiring decisions are critical.
In periods of change, growth, or organizational complexity, companies need the right leaders in place more than ever. Apollo Executive Search identifies and recruits C-level executives and senior management leaders who fit the role, the company, its' culture and values as well as the respective cross-border context.
Our candidates combine solid operational experience, sound judgment, and proven international leadership experience. They are identified through direct search and targeted headhunting, and assessed against the actual requirements of the position, in close alignment with shareholders, boards, and executive teams.
Apollo Executive Search is by your side to detect and retain senior executives for key leadership roles, such as:
• Executive and general management roles
• Finance leadership and governance functions
• Commercial and market-facing leadership positions
• Human capital and organizational leadership
• Technology and digital leadership roles
What Makes Us Different?
We have a no-nonsense way of working and focus on measurable results. The nomination by Les Echos since 2021 as one of France’s top 25 executive search firms confirms the quality of our work and delivers strong visibility in the market. Every manager in France knows Les Echos, and most Franco-German managers know Apollo Executive Search & Consulting.
This market position is built on a consistent way of working: direct access to relevant candidates, a rigorous selection execution process, and a clear focus on closing assignments. Our way of working is shaped by precision, consistency, and accountability throughout the execution process.
100%
99%
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Since the creation of Apollo in 2013, we have consistently delivered at least two finalists in every shortlist presentation of three or more candidates
Only once since 2013 has a candidate been rejected on paper, and the majority of our clients confirm the high quality of our selection execution process and approve every candidate presented for interview
Most of our candidates remain in their role after the trial period
Recent Assignments
President Europe (US Consulting firm. Job based in Paris)
CEO France (German industrial family owned SME/ industrial)
Country Manager Germany (French family owned SME/ industrial)
Country Manager Germany (French start-up in SaaS. Job based in Paris)
Group CFO (French multinational/ services)
Group HR Manager (French multinational/ industrial)
Sales Director (German industrial family owned SME)
Sales Director (French-German multinational/ construction)
Regional Sales Manager (German SME/ industrial)
What Is The Real Cost Of Keeping The Wrong Leader In The Job Six More Months?
Process
Apollo Executive Search uses a structured, efficient and proven executive search methodology with a focus on clarity, control and consistent alignment throughout the entire recruitment process:
Mission Control
Meeting with our client to define the role, context, culture, KPIs, ideal profile, target companies and industries, as well as any off-limits
Launch
Definition of target companies and market mapping by our research team
Identification
Identification of potential candidates
Initial Contact
Approach of selected candidates to assess alignment with the role, expectations, compensation and motivation for a career move. Clear validation of suitability for the next phase
Testing
Each prequalified candidate undergoes a consistent evaluation process with structured video or in-person interviews conducted by two Apollo consultants (including at least one manager), reference checks, and an external assessment covering motivation, personality and analytical capabilities
Rendezvous
Presentation of a shortlist of three to five candidates and first interviews with our client, followed by second and potentially third-round interviews
Docking
Close monitoring throughout the decision phase, including positioning, offer structuring and negotiation. Continuous contact with candidates, with visibility on their situation, priorities and alternatives, including management of sensitive phases such as resignation and counteroffers
Landing
Integration of the appointed candidate and onboarding support by Apollo
Surprises are for a kid’s birthday but not for business (neither for space flight, by the way). We reduce this risk significantly through disciplined follow-up, tight coordination, and constant communication with all stakeholders. The objective is a controlled execution process that leads to a clear decision and a smooth and successful transition
Franco-German Focus
Since 2013, Apollo has built a deep and trusted Franco-German executive network at senior level. As Franco-German consultants and managers with operational backgrounds, we understand both markets from the inside and maintain direct, long-standing relationships with executives, boards, and decision-makers in France and Germany.
Executive search in France and Germany requires more than functional expertise. It requires a precise understanding of differences in communication, leadership styles, governance structures, labor environments, and decision-making execution processes.
We operate within both systems, translate and align expectations on each side.
Apollo is the only Franco-German executive search firm exclusively focused on top-level assignments. This positioning is built on years of direct market presence, trusted relationships, and continuous interaction with senior leaders across both countries.
We identify and assess executives based on their proven ability to operate effectively in Franco-German environments, including:
Running operations in France or Germany for foreign-headquartered organizations, including Franco-German setups
Managing headquarters–subsidiary and shareholder–management dynamics
Navigating different governance and labor frameworks
Aligning leadership teams across cultures and decision-making styles
Drop Us A Line
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Call Us
Office
+33-1-83756500
28 Cours Albert 1er, F-75008 Paris