Our Methodology

Founded in 1977 in New York, NY, Bert Davis Executive Search is the largest and most trusted boutique retained executive search firm serving global clients whose core products, services, and platforms reside at the intersection of content and technology. Our unparalleled track record of success extends across placements of executive leadership, functional management, and board members throughout publishing, digital media, educational technology, information services, and nonprofit sectors. As a result, the vast majority of our business comes via repeat clients or recommendations.

The strength of our executive search stems from the caliber of our team and a highly customizable search process that is efficient, comprehensive, consultative, and expertly executed from start to finish. Applying decades of both industry expertise and executive search experience, our senior recruiters work in collaborative teams on each assignment to leverage deep networks, longstanding connections, and a research-fueled recruitment process.

Our teams of senior recruiters are true partners to our clients ensuring ongoing refinement of criteria and providing stakeholders with confidence that each critical appointment represents the absolute strongest viable placement that relevant markets have to offer.

Since April 2017, Bert Davis Executive Search is proud to be affiliated with Howard-Sloan Search, Inc.

Bert Davis Executive Search is the United States representative of IMSA Global Search Partners and lead the Publishing, Media and Communications Division of this organization.

Since 1991, IMSA Global Search has been identifying the best C-level professionals in local and global markets to enable our partners’ clients to reach their strategic and operational targets. IMSA Global Search works closely with international accounts to help them build effective business across the Americas, Europe, Africa and Asia/Pacific.

Each search is unique and requires continual diligence and analysis. Our firm is designed to provide both a customized strategic framework and the critical attention to detail that brings searches to successful conclusions.

Initially, we assemble a team of experienced executive recruiters who meet with key client executives to examine the needs of the organization, strategic direction of the search and critical skills necessary for successful placement. At this point, we establish a position profile and set of criteria for hire that is submitted to the client for review and approval.

By searching our database, networking with industry executives (often at the C Level), and targeting competitive organizations, we then submit a group of candidates to the hiring executive for the selection process. In cooperation with the client’s selection committee, we prioritize top candidates and the interviewing process begins. We do not introduce candidates to any other client until they have been released from their candidacy for your opportunity.

To summarize our six-step process:

• Establish the position description and develop a comprehensive list of qualified candidates representing diverse backgrounds for consideration.

•  Selection by the hiring executives from one or more groups of candidates.

• Client interviews candidates while the Bert Davis Search team continues to seek out additional qualified individuals and conduct reference checks on successfully interviewed candidates.

• Preferred candidates are brought back for a second round of in-depth meetings.

• Reference checks are analyzed and substantiated, and a front-runner is selected.

• With the client’s authorization, an offer is formulated and negotiated to conclusion with acceptance by the candidate of choice.

We pride ourselves on our ability to adapt our methodology to our clients’ requirements.