— Boutique executive search · DACH
Shaping the future
– with integrity, foresight,
and lasting value for the next generation.
We place executives who don't just fill positions — they shape organisations. Partner-led, discreet and built for the Mittelstand in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
— Who we are
Kempkens x Kohler at a glance
We are an independent, partner-led boutique with profound entrepreneurial and managerial experience — creatively and rapidly achieving results.
Kempkens x Kohler is one of the fastest growing challengers in the German-speaking Boutique Executive Search realm. We have successfully outperformed a vast majority of established players in the market.
Our mission is to support companies at different stages of development with the right leadership talent—whether to build sustainable future growth or to further develop established structures and values. We focus on mid-sized to large companies in the German-speaking region, particularly family-owned businesses and companies backed by private equity.
Selecting an outstanding leader who is the right fit both professionally and culturally goes far beyond standardized processes. It requires a deep understanding of the specific business situation, strong instinct for People, and seasoned judgment.
— Who we are
Partner-led boutique specializing in executive search in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Kempkens × Kohler is a partner-led boutique firm with a deep understanding of the craft —we fill your leadership vacancies with a personalized, collaborative approach tailored to your needs.
— Our performance
Results that speak
for themselves
From commencing the search to the signature between our partner and the ideal candidate.
Are presented on average to close our partners' open vacancies. We continously refine our assessment process to offer efficient and effective advisory services.
Of our projects are completed successfully in the best possible manner.
Of these are related to senior executives. The search primarily centers on gathering information about C-Level professionals, encompassing their roles, experiences, and other pertinent details related to their positions.
What our clients say
"What I particularly value about working with Kempkens × Kohler is that they work fast, flexibly and with a great deal of independence. In a startup environment, topics and priorities shift constantly. I don't need lengthy coordination rounds — I need people who quickly grasp what matters, take ownership and move things forward. That is exactly what works so well with Kempkens × Kohler. I can hand over a topic and know it will be thought through independently and executed cleanly. When something changes along the way, they respond pragmatically and find a solution. For me, this is a collaboration that creates very little overhead while adding real pace — and in the day-to-day of a biotech startup, that is incredibly valuable."
"Agile, personal, tailor-made, and impressively fast — exactly the kind of partner a medium-sized company needs. The collaboration was highly professional, transparent, and consistently aligned with our specific requirements. An executive search provider that truly understands what drives the Mittelstand and delivers genuine added value."
"Many thanks to Sebastian Kohler and Oliver Kempkens for their excellent cooperation – professional, reliable, and with a keen understanding of my requirements!"
"Kempkens × Kohler stands out through excellent service, fast and well-structured process and high-caliber candidates."
"I have always experienced Oliver and Sebastian as reliable partners. Results so far: 100% accuracy of fit!"
"The collaboration with Kempkens × Kohler was exceptional from the very start. The team combines strategic clarity with creativity — above all with pace and a deep understanding of brand and business. The results moved ryd forward noticeably: strong on substance, genuinely partnership-driven and always with the ambition to create real impact."
— Client References & Projects
— Award – 2026
Recommended by Clients and Candidates
Our recognition as a FOCUS Top Staffing Service Provider 2026 is based on the experiences of clients and candidates who have worked with us directly — independently reviewed, firsthand!
