The Craft Of Outcomes.
Executive search is the business of outcomes, not transactions.
The industry standard is grim: 40-70% of executive hires fail within 18 months. Not because the candidate was "bad," but because the fit was theoretical. The problem was misdiagnosed, the role was mis-scoped, and the disconnect was discovered one exit package later.
I measure success differently. That's why placements last. 4+ years average. 44% promoted. Both roughly 2-4x industry benchmarks.
The Difference is the Diagnosis.
My clients want outcomes—a leader who transforms the business. As a former operator, I understand. I started at Wired in '95 when the Internet was going 0→1, then spent 20 years building teams at Razorfish and Sapient. Diagnosing the business problem and finding the person who solves it—that's what matters. I founded TMG to do exactly that.
No Handoffs. In traditional firms, a Partner sells the search, and an Associate assesses the talent. Context is lost in the gap. The person who diagnoses your business problem is the same person vetting your candidate.
Polymaths, Not Pedigree. I identify leaders with curiosity, builder mindset, and cross-disciplinary range who transform organizations. They bridge brand and growth, creative and analytical, agency and client-side. Traditional search can't see them because they don't fit neat categories.
Incentives Aligned. Retained search. All milestones are tied to performance-based outcomes, not calendar dates. A 12-month guarantee, because a placement isn't a success until it sticks.
Who This Is For
I work with Shamrock Capital, Intel, and IPG—but specifically with the leaders there who are willing to challenge the brief.
"Kristian saw something most people, including me, would have missed.
Hands down the best hire I ever made."
— Navin Sharma, CCO, Inspire Brands
If you are ready to rethink the business problem before we write the candidate profile, let’s talk.
Kristian Schwartz
Founder, The Montgomery Group