The AESC Membership Journey: From Vetting to Commitment

The Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC) has set the quality standard for the executive search and leadership consulting profession for nearly 65 years. When engaging an AESC member firm, clients can rest assured their assignment will be handled with the utmost care and confidentiality. Clients often prefer working with AESC members because they minimize risk and provide a competitive advantage.   

To become a member of the association representing the highest standards in executive search and leadership advisory worldwide, firms must meet or exceed AESC quality standards. Determining a firm’s eligibility requires a rigorous vetting process. This multi-step process ensures that a firm is committed to integrity, ethics and excellence – for clients and candidates.  

Let’s explore the AESC membership journey, including the membership model, criteria and process from the initial inquiry to acceptance and commitment.

The AESC Membership Model  

AESC member firms encompass a broad spectrum of sizes, from large global executive search and leadership consulting firms and networks to regional and boutique firms. Our Membership boasts a vast network with over 16,000 trusted professionals spread across 1450+ offices in 70+ countries.  

Leveraging their industry and functional knowledge, access and expertise, members annually facilitate the placement and development of over 100,000 executives in board and C-level positions across organizations of all types and sizes worldwide. 

Our member firms are: 

• Vetted to rigorous quality standards and have committed to AESC’s Code of Professional Conduct.
• Committed to continuous learning and anticipating future trends in global executive talent for the benefit of clients, candidates and the profession.
• Able to deliver independent, informed advice based on a deep understanding of the challenges and issues clients face and an impartial consideration of relevant facts.
• Dedicated to using their collective voices and actions to help create a world that is inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible for all.
• Devoted to minimizing risk by providing clients with confidence, credibility and security.

Understanding AESC Membership Criteria

Before submitting a membership inquiry, it’s imperative to be aware of the AESC membership criteria. All AESC members must conduct exclusive, retained executive search but may also perform other leadership advisory services.

Applicant firms that undertake mandates meeting the following criteria may be eligible for membership in AESC. For executive search: 

• Assignments are exclusive (only one firm works on an assignment); 
• Assignments are at the executive level or above; 
• Assignments contain a significant advisory or consulting element; 
• Agreements include a significant non-refundable retainer fee, paid during every step of the process. 
• For all executive search and leadership advisory services, operations are compliant with the AESC Code of Professional Conduct.  

Membership Application Process 

There are two ways the membership application process can begin: An applicant firm submits a membership inquiry on AESC’s website or AESC reaches out to firms that appear eligible. From there, prospective members undergo a rigorous multi-step process to determine their eligibility.  

During the process, AESC seeks to learn more about the prospective member firm through research and exploratory calls, and share information about the value of AESC membership. AESC will want to gain a better understanding about the prospective member’s firm history, organizational structure, practice and operations, level of assignments, search methodology, GDPR compliance (if applicable), diversity, equity and inclusion practices, potential litigation and more. 

To demonstrate eligibility, prospective members must provide several documents, including a copy of an engagement contract (with terms and conditions), a client brief and candidate brief, two AESC Member references and two client references. Note that AESC maintains the same confidentiality and discretionary standards it asks of its members. AESC does not share confidential information with other members.  

AESC uses all general information gathered (excluding financial, proprietary or confidential information) in a report. The report is sent to the Membership Committee in their region (Americas, EMEA or APAC) for regional or boutique firms. For global firms, the report goes the Global Membership Committee. If approved by the respective membership committee, a regional application will be presented to the regional council for final vote or a global application will be presented to the AESC Board of Directors for final vote. The majority agreement determines the acceptance of the application.  

Following the firm’s acceptance, AESC will celebrate the new member through promotional materials, including a press release. AESC staff will guide the firm through the next steps and help the firm understand how to get the most out of its membership.  

AESC Members: Committed to Strengthening Leadership Together 

The AESC Membership journey is a meticulous process designed to uphold the highest standards of quality, integrity, transparency and excellence in the executive search and leadership consulting profession. By adhering to AESC's rigorous criteria and undergoing a comprehensive vetting process, member firms demonstrate their unwavering commitment to professionalism and ethical conduct.  

Clients engaging with AESC member firms can trust in their ability to navigate complex challenges, mitigate risks, and deliver exceptional results with integrity and professionalism, making AESC membership a hallmark of quality and credibility in the profession. 

Download the AESC Membership Brochure to learn more about AESC, what membership provides, and what prospective members can expect from the applicant process.