The Retainer Debate Every CEO And Board Must Face
In executive recruiting, few topics divide CEOs, Boards, and Chairpersons as sharply as the question of paying a retainer. For some, retainers represent unnecessary upfront costs with uncertain returns. For others, they are the price of securing the recruiter’s full commitment and access to elite candidates who could transform an organization’s future.
The decision is not simply about budget. It is about strategy, succession planning, and the degree of trust between leadership and their Executive Search partners. Paying — or refusing to pay — a retainer communicates your priorities as a CEO or Board member. It signals whether you view recruiting as a transactional process or a long-term investment in leadership capital.
