Cornerstone International Group Expands Executive Search to Seoul
International Group expands its global reach with a new office in Seoul, offering executive search and leadership development services to Korean businesses.">
Seoul, South Korea, June 20, 2025 – Cornerstone International group, a prominent global firm specializing in executive search and leadership development, has inaugurated a new office in Seoul.This expansion signifies a strategic move to bolster its presence in the thriving Asian market. Simon Wan,Chairman and CEO of Cornerstone,emphasized that South Korea’s dynamic business landscape makes it an ideal location to support both local and multinational corporations in achieving their leadership and talent acquisition goals.
Strategic Expansion into South Korea
The new Seoul office embodies Cornerstone’s commitment to blending local expertise with globally recognized best practices.This approach ensures that Korean businesses gain access to a extensive talent platform, offering executive search, leadership development, and talent management solutions that are agile, culturally attuned, and globally competitive. According to the Korea International Trade Association, South Korea’s exports reached $644.4 billion in 2024, highlighting the nation’s significant role in global commerce [[1]].
Did You Know? Cornerstone International group has approximately 70 offices in key markets across six continents [[2]].
Leadership at the Helm
Cornerstone Korea is spearheaded by a team of seasoned professionals with extensive experience in executive search and leadership consulting. This team is dedicated to forging lasting partnerships and actively contributing to Korea’s business community through industry engagement, media outreach, and thought leadership.Ennis Bae, Managing Partner of Cornerstone Seoul, expressed enthusiasm about bringing Cornerstone’s global expertise to Korea, particularly as Korean companies expand their international footprint.
Bae brings a wealth of experience, having advised major U.S., European, and Korean companies on high-level management and human resources matters. His track record includes recruiting senior executives across diverse business sectors, working closely with CEOs, directors, and board members. Before joining Cornerstone, Bae held a leadership position at MRI Worldwide Korea.
Challenges and Trends in Executive Search
The executive search industry has faced headwinds. Tim Tolan, founder, chairman, and managing partner of The tolan Group, noted that 2024 was a challenging year for many search firms across various industry segments. The Hunt Scanlon 2024 Executive Recruiting State of the Industry Report revealed a double-digit decline in demand for executive recruiting, with the private equity sector experiencing the most significant impact. However,positive changes are anticipated for 2025.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| South Korea’s Exports (2024) | $644.4 Billion |
| Cornerstone International Group Offices | Approximately 70 |
Seoul: A Business and Financial Hub
Seoul serves as the business and financial epicenter of South Korea. Despite occupying only a small fraction of the nation’s land, the city held over half of South Korea’s bank deposits last year, according to Forglobal. While traditional manufacturing industries have been largely replaced by information technology, electronics, and assembly-type industries, food and beverage production, along with printing and publishing, remain core sectors.Major manufacturers such as Samsung,LG,Hyundai,Kia,and SK are headquartered in Seoul.
Pro Tip: When seeking executive talent, consider firms that are members of the Association of Executive Search Consultants (AESC) for high ethical standards [[3]].
Evergreen Insights: The Role of Executive Search Firms
Executive search firms play a crucial role in connecting companies with top-tier talent.These firms specialize in identifying, assessing, and recruiting high-level executives who can drive organizational success. In today’s competitive business environment,the demand for skilled leaders is greater than ever,making the services of executive search firms invaluable.
The global executive search industry is projected to reach $17.3 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2020 [Statista]. This growth reflects the increasing recognition of the importance of strategic leadership in achieving business objectives.
Frequently Asked Questions About Executive Search
- What is executive search?
- executive search is a specialized recruitment service focused on identifying and recruiting senior-level executives for organizations.
- How do executive search firms operate?
- executive search firms work closely with client companies to understand their specific needs and then use their networks and research capabilities to identify qualified candidates.
- What are the benefits of using an executive search firm?
- Using an executive search firm can save time and resources, provide access to a wider pool of candidates, and ensure a more thorough and objective assessment process.
- What industries do executive search firms typically serve?
- Executive search firms serve a wide range of industries,including technology,finance,healthcare,and manufacturing.
- How much does executive search cost?
- The cost of executive search services varies depending on the complexity of the search and the level of the position being filled. Fees are typically a percentage of the executive’s first-year compensation.
What are the key qualities you look for in an executive search firm? How crucial is local expertise in a global search?
disclaimer: This article provides general information about executive search and leadership development services. It is not intended as financial, legal, or professional advice.Consult with a qualified professional for specific guidance.
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