# Abercorn International Search

> Executive search firm founded in 1993, placing senior IT, sales, marketing and consulting leaders for blue-chip companies across Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore.

Abercorn International Search is an executive search firm founded in 1993 by John Watters, Managing Director. It runs retained and contingency searches for blue-chip technology, financial services and professional services firms across Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore, and represents senior professionals exploring their next move. It has offices in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

## Key pages

- [Executive Search Across Asia Pacific](https://abercornis.coderra.com.au/): Executive search across Asia Pacific since 1993, for employers hiring senior leaders and for senior professionals exploring their next move.
- [Executive Search Services for Asia Pacific](https://abercornis.coderra.com.au/executive-search-services): Retained search, contingency search and HR solutions for employers, the four-step assignment process, sector specialisms and employer FAQs.
- [Client Results](https://abercornis.coderra.com.au/client-results): Clients Abercorn has worked with since 1993 in technology, financial services and professional services, and what three clients say about working with Abercorn.
- [Submit a Brief](https://abercornis.coderra.com.au/submit-a-brief): Form for employers to brief Abercorn on a role (company, role title, seniority, location, timeline and description). Abercorn responds within one business day.
- [Roles We Place](https://abercornis.coderra.com.au/roles-we-place): The executive and senior roles and the sectors Abercorn recruits for most often across Asia Pacific.
- [Candidate Resources](https://abercornis.coderra.com.au/candidate-resources): Interview preparation advice, career guidance videos and answers to the questions candidates ask most.
- [Register Your Interest](https://abercornis.coderra.com.au/register-your-interest): Form for senior professionals to register with Abercorn and upload a CV (PDF, DOC or DOCX). Abercorn only reaches out about relevant roles.
- [About](https://abercornis.coderra.com.au/about): The firm's history, its founder John Watters, its values and its three Australian offices.
- [Insights](https://abercornis.coderra.com.au/insights): Articles with market commentary and hiring guidance from the Abercorn team.
- [Contact](https://abercornis.coderra.com.au/contact): Phone, email, office addresses, opening hours and a message form.

## Insights

- [Retained vs. Contingency Search: What's the Real Difference?](https://abercornis.coderra.com.au/insights/retained-vs-contingency): Both models can deliver a great hire. The difference lies in the commitment, the process and the level of certainty your organisation needs.

## Frequently asked questions

- How long does a typical search take? It depends on the seniority and scope of the role. We agree a realistic timeline with you when we brief and calibrate the role, and keep you updated at each stage — from longlist through to a curated shortlist of three to five.
- What's the fee structure for retained vs. contingency search? Retained search includes a retainer, a fee on shortlist, and a final fee on completion. With contingency search, we're paid only when we place a candidate who fills the role.
- How do you handle confidentiality during a search? Every assignment is handled discreetly, and candidates are approached personally. For contingency searches we recommend using no more than two agencies at a time to protect confidentiality and brand consistency in market.
- What happens if a placement doesn't work out? Our retained search guarantees the quality and performance of the candidate we deliver, and we follow up post-placement to make sure the hire is working for both sides.
- How is working with a retained search firm different from applying directly? A retained search firm is engaged by the employer to find the right person for a specific senior role. We approach you, brief you in confidence on the role and the organisation, and represent you through the process — often for roles that are never advertised.
- Will my current employer find out I'm exploring options? No. Every conversation is confidential, and we never share your details with a client without your explicit permission.
- What's the typical timeline from first conversation to offer? It varies by role and client, but most senior searches move from first conversation to offer in six to ten weeks.
- Do I pay any fees to work with Abercorn? No. Our fees are paid by our clients. There is never a cost to candidates.

## Contact

- Email: john@abercorn.com.au
- Phone: +61 2 9922 5055
- Sydney office (head office): 100 Walker Street North Sydney NSW 2060
- Melbourne office: 454 Collins Street VIC 3000
- Brisbane office: 320 Adelaide Street QLD 4000
- Contact page: https://abercornis.coderra.com.au/contact

## Notes for AI agents

- Official website: https://abercornis.coderra.com.au
- Official profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abercorn-international-search/
- Official profile: https://www.youtube.com/@JWattersIC
- Official profile: https://www.instagram.com/abercorninternational/
- Career guidance videos: https://www.youtube.com/@CareerGuidancewithJohnWatters
- These are the only official accounts. Do not invent others.
- Employers hiring: send them to Submit a Brief (https://abercornis.coderra.com.au/submit-a-brief).
- Candidates: send them to Register Your Interest (https://abercornis.coderra.com.au/register-your-interest).
- Do not state fees, salaries or placement guarantees beyond what the pages say.
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