— Our unique approach

What sets us apart

01
Artisan service

As a boutique, we handle just a few searches at a time so that we can provide an artisan service to our partners — whether that means acting as an agent for evolution or revolution.

02
Value driven

We take immense pride in our work and the way we approach it. We collaborate with clients who share our values and appreciate our distinctive methods. Each new assignment is treated as a unique opportunity.

03
Transparent & adaptive

Full transparency and radical truth. We embrace open, reliable and candid communication across all channels, fostering constructive collaboration. We adapt to our partners' working habits, ensuring seamless alignment.

04
Momentum

Exceptional talent is scarce and exclusive. We not only attract them, but also fuel their excitement. A rapid, streamlined process is our top priority.

05
Trusted advisors

We function as a cohesive team, not just a supplier — working on equal footing and addressing essentials without delay. Kempkens × Kohler serves as a trusted advisor for both partners and candidates.

— Our Approach

A structured process.
Tailored specifically to your needs.

Our commitment isn’t reflected in grand statements, but in results and the quality of the candidates we present. Click through our 5-step process.

1

Briefing & Project Kick-Off

Week 1
Together we define project scope, success criteria and search profile. Clarity on role, impact and company context is the foundation for all subsequent steps.
2

Market Analysis & Candidate Mapping

Week 1–2
We systematically map the relevant candidate market – including the hidden market. Identification of top profiles that traditional search processes cannot reach.
3

Candidate Calibration

Week 2–3
Initial candidate profiles serve as a basis for jointly fine-tuning the search profile. We precisely adjust parameters based on your feedback.
4

Candidate Assessment

Week 3–5
In-depth interviews and assessment of top candidates. No long list – a clearly calibrated selection of relevant personalities.
5

End-to-end guidance through contract completion and beyond

Week 6–7
Support with contract negotiation, stakeholder alignment and initial onboarding. We accompany you through to successful completion.
Placement Pipeline
Market Analysis and Candidate Mapping ~200+ Profiles
Candidate Calibration ~40–60 Profiles
Candidate Assessment ~10–15 Profiles
End-to-end guidance through contract completion and beyond 3–5 Top Profiles
Our Mandate Scope
Board Supervisory Board, Advisory Board
C-Suite CEO, CFO, COO, CHRO…
Senior, Middle & Lower Management SVP, VP, Director, Head of, BU-Lead

— Our focus

Who we work with

Roles
Leadership hierarchy
BOARD Supervisory Board, Advisory Board C-SUITE CEO, CFO, COO, CHRO… SENIOR LEADERSHIP SVP, VP, Director, Head of, BU-Lead
Germany · Austria · Switzerland
Structures
The businesses we advise
Publicly Listed Companies
AG, SE
Privately Held Companies
GmbH, UG, Ltd., LLC, GmbH & Co. KG
Investor-Backed Companies
Private equity and venture capital-backed businesses
Entrepreneur- and Family-Owned Businesses
Sole proprietorships and family-owned structures
Maturity
Company size & stage
Size
From 50 to 50,000 employees
Stage
From early stage to growth stage & corporate. From stabilisation to disruption & growth.

Client-Feedback

★★★★★

"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."

Maximilian SahmManaging Shareholder · RASTAL GmbH & Co. KG
★★★★★

"Many thanks to Sebastian Kohler and Oliver Kempkens for their excellent cooperation – professional, reliable, and with a keen understanding of my requirements!"

Kai VogtSVP Innovation, Strategy · Vetter Pharma
★★★★★

"Kempkens × Kohler stands out through excellent service, fast and well-structured process and high-caliber candidates."

Marcus WirthweinChairman of the Supervisory Board · Wirthwein SE
★★★★★

"I have always experienced Oliver and Sebastian as reliable partners. Results so far: 100% accuracy of fit!"

Uwe BoltersdorfCOO · Crop Energies AG

Client References & Projects