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CHRO Executive Search in 2023

chro executive search

CHRO Executive Search: Introduction

Executive search for CHROs, or Chief Human Resource Officers, is a specialized process that involves identifying, attracting, and recruiting top talent for this critical leadership role within an organization. The CHRO is responsible for overseeing all aspects of human resources (HR) within a company, including talent management, employee development, diversity and inclusion, and employee relations. As such, the executive search process for CHROs must be thorough and rigorous, ensuring that the candidate chosen is not only highly qualified and experienced, but also a good fit for the organization’s culture and values.

The CHRO Executive Search Process

The executive search process for CHROs typically begins with a detailed job analysis and specification, which outlines the specific skills, experience, and qualities that the ideal candidate should possess. This job specification is used to develop a targeted recruitment strategy and to identify potential candidates through a variety of channels, including industry networks, social media, and executive search firms.

Once potential candidates have been identified, the next step in the executive search process is to conduct thorough background checks and reference checks to ensure that the candidate is a good fit for the role and the organization. This may include verifying employment history, education, and other qualifications, as well as conducting interviews with past colleagues and supervisors.

Once the pool of potential candidates has been narrowed down to a select group, the executive search firm will typically conduct in-depth interviews with each candidate to assess their fit for the role and the organization. This may include behavioral interviews, which focus on the candidate’s past experiences and how they approached and solved problems, as well as competency-based interviews, which assess the candidate’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in relation to the specific requirements of the CHRO role.

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The final stage of the executive search process is the offer and negotiation phase, in which the successful candidate is presented with a job offer and salary package. This may involve negotiations on salary, benefits, and other terms of employment, and may also involve the candidate meeting with key stakeholders within the organization to discuss their vision for the HR function and to ensure a good fit with the company culture.

Once the successful candidate has accepted the job offer and begun their new role as CHRO, the executive search process is typically considered complete. However, it is important for the organization to continue to support and develop the CHRO throughout their tenure, in order to ensure that they are able to effectively lead and manage the HR function and contribute to the overall success of the organization.

Overall, the executive search process for CHROs is a complex and highly specialized process that requires a thorough and rigorous approach to identifying and recruiting top talent for this critical leadership role. By conducting a thorough job analysis, identifying potential candidates through a variety of channels, and conducting in-depth interviews and reference checks, organizations can ensure that they find the best possible fit for their CHRO role and their organizational culture.

DEI concerns in CHRO Executive Search

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are increasingly important considerations in the executive search process for CHROs, or Chief Human Resource Officers. As the leader of the HR function within an organization, the CHRO plays a key role in shaping the company’s DEI strategy and initiatives (and oftentimes in collaboration with the Chief Diversity Officer), and therefore it is critical that the candidate chosen for this role has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.

In order to ensure that DEI considerations are properly integrated into the executive search process for CHROs, organizations may choose to work with executive search firms that specialize in DEI recruitment or that have a strong track record in this area. These firms can help to identify and attract a diverse pool of candidates for the CHRO role, and can also provide guidance and support throughout the recruitment process to ensure that DEI is effectively considered and integrated into the final selection decision.

In addition to working with specialized executive search firms, there are a number of other steps that organizations can take to ensure that DEI considerations are properly integrated into the executive search process for CHROs. These may include:

Developing a diverse and inclusive job specification: The job specification for the CHRO role should clearly outline the organization’s commitment to DEI and the specific DEI skills and experience that the ideal candidate should possess.

Utilizing diverse recruitment channels: In order to attract a diverse pool of candidates, organizations should consider utilizing a range of recruitment channels, including industry networks, social media, and job boards that target diverse candidates.

Conducting structured interviews: Structured interviews, which are based on specific competencies and job requirements, can help to ensure that all candidates are evaluated fairly and objectively, and can help to minimize unconscious bias in the selection process.

Engaging in DEI training: It is important for all members of the executive search team, including search consultants and internal stakeholders, to have a strong understanding of DEI and to be trained in inclusive recruitment practices.

chro executive search

Overall, integrating DEI considerations into the executive search process for CHROs is essential in order to ensure that the organization attracts and recruits top talent who are committed to diversity and inclusion, and who will be able to effectively lead the HR function and contribute to the overall success of the organization.

Why Ellig Group is the Best Choice for CHRO Executive Search

There are several key reasons why Ellig Group stands out in this highly specialized and competitive field.

Ellig Group has a team of highly experienced and knowledgeable consultants who are dedicated to the executive search process. Our consultants have a deep understanding of the specific skills, experience, and qualities that are required for success in the CHRO role, and are able to identify and attract top candidates who are a good fit for the organization and its culture.

Additionally, Ellig Group is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the executive search process, and has a strong track record in this area. The firm works with clients to ensure that DEI considerations are properly integrated into the search process, and is able to identify and attract a diverse pool of highly qualified candidates for the CHRO role.

Finally, Ellig Group is known for our personalized and professional approach to executive search. We work closely with clients to understand their specific needs and requirements, and develop a tailored search strategy to identify and attract the best possible candidates for the CHRO role.

Overall, Ellig Group is an excellent choice for organizations seeking to conduct a successful executive search for a CHRO. With a strong track record of success, highly experienced consultants, a commitment to DEI, and a personalized and professional approach, the firm is well-equipped to help organizations identify and recruit top talent for this critical leadership role.

Why Diversity Matters

Diversity is a business imperative for corporations for a number of reasons. First and foremost, diversity in the workplace leads to better decision-making and improved business outcomes. Studies have shown that diverse teams are more innovative and creative, and are better able to come up with new ideas and solve complex problems. This is because diverse teams bring a wider range of perspectives, experiences, and skills to the table, which can lead to more balanced and informed decision-making.

In addition to improving business outcomes, diversity is also a business imperative because it is increasingly important to customers and stakeholders. Customers and stakeholders, including employees, investors, and the general public, expect companies to be inclusive and to reflect the diversity of the communities in which they operate. Companies that are perceived as being inclusive and diverse are more likely to attract and retain top talent, and are more likely to be seen as responsible and ethical corporate citizens.

Finally, diversity is a business imperative because it is the right thing to do. Companies have a responsibility to create a fair and inclusive workplace where all employees are valued and treated with respect. This means creating a workplace culture that is welcoming and supportive of diversity, and taking proactive steps to promote diversity and inclusion within the organization.

Overall, diversity is a business imperative for corporations because it leads to better decision-making, improved business outcomes, and is increasingly important to customers and stakeholders. By embracing diversity and inclusion, corporations can create a more inclusive and successful workplace culture and contribute to a more equitable and inclusive society.

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Janice Reals Ellig

Chief Executive Officer

As the head of the Ellig Group, Janice is dedicated to increasing the placement of women and diverse candidates on corporate boards and in C-suites by 2025. Janice joined the legacy firm in 2000 and became Co-Chief Executive Officer in its transition to Chadick Ellig in 2007; she assumed sole ownership of the company as the Ellig Group in 2017 with a new focus on Reimagining Search. Prior to her career in executive search, Janice spent 20 years in corporate America at Pfizer, Citi and Ambac Financial Group, an IPO from Citibank, where she was responsible for Marketing, Human Resources, and Administration.

Heralded by Bloomberg Businessweek as one of “The World’s Most Influential Headhunters,” Janice is often consulted for her expertise and her commitment to gender parity, inclusion, and diversity. She frequently appears at speaking engagements and as a media guest, and she has penned multiple articles for outlets such as Directors & Boards, Directorship, Corporate Director, The Huffington Post, and Forbes.com. Janice also co-authored two books: Driving The Career Highway and What Every Successful Woman Knows, acknowledged by Bloomberg Businessweek as “the best of its genre.”

A tirelessly active member of the industry and champion of her causes, Janice is Founder of the Women’s Forum of New York’s Corporate Board Initiative and its signature event, Breakfast of Corporate Champions. Since 2011, Janice continues to spearhead this event to honor companies committed to board diversity and to encourage CEOs to sponsor board-ready women for the Women’s Forum database. (LINK: www.womensforumny.org).

Janice is personally committed to several NFP organizations: Board Director of the National YMCA and Past Chair of the YMCA Board of Greater New York; Trustee of the Actors Fund and Committee For Economic Development (CED); Incoming Chair, University of Iowa Foundation; Women’s Forum of New York Past President and Chair of the Corporate Board Initiative; member of the Steering Committee, US 30% Club and The Economic Club of New York.

In recognition for her many philanthropic activities, Janice received the University of Iowa Distinguished Alumni Award in 2011 and the Association of Executive Search Consultants (AESC) Eleanor Raynolds Award for Volunteerism in 2008. Named one of the “21 Leaders for the 21st Century” by Women’s eNews, she was also a recipient of the Channel 21 Award In Excellence for her contribution to “Excellence in the Economic Development for Women.”

“Listening to our clients’ needs, learning their business and understanding their culture is how we present the best talent and provide  a competitive advantage. We place candidates with the character, competencies, commitment, (intellectual) curiosity and courage to make a difference. Our goal is always to go beyond the expected and deliver valuable advice, measurable results and great talent!”

– Janice Reals Ellig

  • Champion of gender parity, diversity, and inclusion
  • Industry expert, speaker, and author
  • Founder of the Women’s Forum of New York’s Corporate Board Initiative
  • Committed board and committee member and philanthropist

T: (212) 688-8671 ext. 226
E: Janice@ElligGroup.com