
Building Legacies
High-End Executive Search
From Professionals for Professionals

Who we are
Welcome to our website! We are a passionate team dedicated to providing you with the best possible experience and valuable information. Here at [Company Name], we believe in [insert core values or mission statement] and strive to [insert main goal or objective].
Our team consists of talented professionals who are experts in their respective fields. We work tirelessly to ensure that we deliver accurate and up-to-date content, keeping you informed and engaged. Whether you're seeking [describe the purpose of the website, e.g., educational resources, entertainment, product reviews, etc.], we have you covered.

Kempkens x Kohler At a Glance
Kempkens x Kohler is the fastest growing challenger in the German speaking Boutique Executive Search realm.
Our mission is to empower scaling companies in crafting enduring legacies, while also aiding corporations in preserving their established heritage.
Finding an exceptional “legacy-driven” leader is not a result of an algorithm, but an ongoing process that requires a deep understanding of our partner‘s situation.
We are an independent and partner led boutique with profound entrepreneurial and managerial experience, creatively and rapidly achieving results.
It is a craft, upon which we have refined through years of experience.
Our Unique Approach
As a boutique, we meticulously handle only a select few searches at a time, allowing us to deliver an 'artisan' service to our partners, whether as an agent for evolution or revolution.
Fast: Exceptional talent is scarce and elusive. Yet, we not only attract them, but also fuel their excitement. A rapid, streamlined process is our top priority.
As true artisans, 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, never assuming it should be the last.
Revolutionizing Executive Search and HR-Team Collaboration: We function as a cohesive team, not just a supplier, working on equal footing and addressing essentials without delay. Kempkens x Kohler serves as a Trusted Advisor for both partners and candidates.
Full transparency and radical truth: We embrace open, reliable, and radically candid communication across all pertinent channels, fostering constructive collaboration and results. We adapt to our partners' working habits, ensuring a seamless alignment.

How we work
Welcome to our website! We are a passionate team dedicated to providing you with the best possible experience and valuable information. Here at [Company Name], we believe in [insert core values or mission statement] and strive to [insert main goal or objective].
Our team consists of talented professionals who are experts in their respective fields. We work tirelessly to ensure that we deliver accurate and up-to-date content, keeping you informed and engaged. Whether you're seeking [describe the purpose of the website, e.g., educational resources, entertainment, product reviews, etc.], we have you covered.
1
Briefing & Project Kick-Off
Each project commences with a comprehensive briefing. Collaborating closely with our partners, we define the project scope, establish a detailed playbook, and clarify the target objectives.
2
Research
Following the briefing, during the Research Phase, we meticulously map and identify top-tier candidates within the agreed-upon talent pools. Additionally, we scout for candidates with parallel and transferable expertise, skills, and experience from adjacent fields.
3
Calibration
During the Calibration stage, we showcase a diverse array of profiles to gain a deeper understanding of our partners' requirements. If needed, we fine-tune our search parameters. Using the insights from the Calibration Phase, we derive a precise blueprint of the desired target profile.
4
Sprints
During the sprint phase, we conduct comprehensive qualitative and quantitative assessments of potential candidates. We then present suitable candidates to our partners. Throughout the entire interview process, Kempkens x Kohler provides close guidance and support to both our partners and candidates.
5
Closing
In addition, we impart expert guidance during the project's closing phase. Collaboratively, we devise a tailored closing strategy, offer counsel on salary and package negotiations, and facilitate smooth stakeholder management with Investors, Peers, and the Non-Executive Board.
Working With Us
Working with us
-
Stakeholder interviews
-
Project setup
-
In depth briefing
-
Target definition
-
-
KxK maps and identifies high calibre candidates in the agreed pools
-
Further candidate identification with parallel and transferable knowledge, skillset and experience in adjacent fields
-
-
Early referencing across all practice areas
-
Verification of interest and capacity
-
Presentation of boundary profiles / talents
-
Adjustment of search parameters when necessary
-
-
Early referencing across all practice areas
-
Verification of interest and capacity
-
Presentation of boundary profiles / talents
-
Adjustment of search parameters when necessary
-
-
Review & Feedback meetings
-
Closing strategy
-
Advise on Salary & Package
-
Level and Presentation
-
Stakeholder management with Investors, Ownership, Non-Executive Board
-
Legal support if necessary via partner
-
Briefing
-
Stakeholder interviews
-
Project setup
-
In depth briefing
-
Target definition
Research
-
KxK maps and identifies high
calibre candidates in the agreed pools -
Further candidate identification with parallel and
transferable knowledge, skillset and experience in adjacent fields
Calibration
-
Early referencing across all practice areas
-
Verification of interest and capacity
-
Presentation of boundary profiles / talents
-
Adjustment of search parameters when necessary
Sprints
-
Assessment:
-
In depth interviews with candidates
-
KxK Leadership Perception Assessment™
-
Presentation of candidates to clients
-
Setting up interviews with clients
Closing
-
Review & Feedback meetings
-
Closing strategy
-
Advise on Salary & Package
-
Level and Presentation
-
Stakeholder management with Investors, Ownership, Non-Executive Board
-
Legal support if necessary via partner
1
2
3
4
5
Who we are
Oliver Kempkens
Managing Partner
Oliver Kempkens is Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Kempkens x Kohler Executive Search. Oliver has been the youngest executive hire in the history of Russell Reynolds Associations Germany, and co-founded the digital practice there. Before joining Russell Reynolds Associates, he was VP at SAP in Palo Alto and Walldorf, supporting the firm to intellectually renew the organization. Oliver left Russell Reynolds to scale-up ITMP, a St.Gallen-based Strategy Consultancy, before he held a position as Managing Director/ Acting VP for Digital Platform Strategy (965 FTE) at Europe’s largest Bank, Sberbank in Moscow between 2019 and February 2022.
Oliver Kempkens Managing Partner Oliver studied Law (BA, MA), Mediation (MA) and Sociology (PhD). He holds an PhD hc at the University of Southampton, England. Oliver was teaching at major Universities Management & Leadership, e.g., Stanford University, Hasso-Plattner Institute, University of St.Gallen, University of Vienna, Johannes-Keppler University Linz. Oliver was awarded best Headhunter of Year (2019) and won the second place for best candidate experience. Besides, Oliver won the Red Dot Award, the IF Award and got nominated at the Cannes Lions. Oliver has placed around 60 executives in various industries.

Sebastian Kohler
Managing Partner
Sebastian Kohler is Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Kempkens x Kohler Executive Search. At the age of 22, Sebastian started his consulting career as the youngest Analyst in Zurich, working for the globally active Management & Technology Consulting Firm Detecon. Sebastian has advised various international clients with regard to transformational and organizational strategy, organizational restructuring and process improvement. Sebastian studied International Business in Cologne, Germany and Guadalajara, Mexico with a focus on Management Consulting and Leadership Theories.
In 2019, Sebastian joined TSBC in Munich, a well renowned boutique CEO-Advisory firm, further deepening his Leadership Advisory knowledge. Since 2021, Sebastian has focused his career on C-Level Recruitment Consulting and is considered the youngest C-Level Executive Headhunter in Germany.
Additionally, Sebastian has founded (e.g. VAULT Luxury Marketplace), invested and advises several several startups (e.g. SPRK.Global). Sebastian placed around 30 Executives in various industries and global markets.

Our Advisory Board
Excellence from Professionals for Professionals
We both have had major achievements in the professional life:
-
Youngest hired external Director at Russell Reynolds DACH in 2015
-
2019 Headhunter of the Year (Germany)
-
Co-Author of the Harvard Business Review featured largest corporate curiosity study with Merck, Darmstadt
-
FAZ-, Wirtschaftswoche- and Berliner Zeitung- Author and Expert on Russian National Economy
-
25,000+ sold business books on Design Thinking
-
Scaling from 25 to 965 employees in 16 months IF Award for User-Interface 2021
-
Red Dot for Brand & Communication & App UX in 2021

-
Cannes Lion Nomination in 2021 for the best App Brand
-
Onboarding & Corporate Learning Award (won against Goldman Sachs & Nordea)
-
External Venture Capital raised 8 M USD (pre-seed)
-
Corporate Budget allocated from 2 M to 12 M USD in less than 8 months
-
Founded an award winning Start-Up (Vault Luxury Marketplace) in Munich which is generating (pivoted) double-digit million revenues in gross merchandise value
Working with us
-
Stakeholder interviews
-
Project setup
-
In depth briefing
-
Target definition
-
-
KxK maps and identifies high calibre candidates in the agreed pools
-
Further candidate identification with parallel and transferable knowledge, skillset and experience in adjacent fields
-
-
Early referencing across all practice areas
-
Verification of interest and capacity
-
Presentation of boundary profiles / talents
-
Adjustment of search parameters when necessary
-
-
Early referencing across all practice areas
-
Verification of interest and capacity
-
Presentation of boundary profiles / talents
-
Adjustment of search parameters when necessary
-
-
Review & Feedback meetings
-
Closing strategy
-
Advise on Salary & Package
-
Level and Presentation
-
Stakeholder management with Investors, Ownership, Non-Executive Board
-
Legal support if necessary via partner
-
1
2
3
4
5
Research
-
KxK maps and identifies high
calibre candidates in the agreed pools -
Further candidate identification with parallel and
transferable knowledge, skillset and experience in adjacent fields
Calibration
-
Early referencing across all practice areas
-
Verification of interest and capacity
-
Presentation of boundary profiles / talents
-
Adjustment of search parameters when necessary
Closing
-
Review & Feedback meetings
-
Closing strategy
-
Advise on Salary & Package
-
Level and Presentation
-
Stakeholder management with Investors, Ownership, Non-Executive Board
-
Legal support if necessary via partner
Briefing
-
Stakeholder interviews
-
Project setup
-
In depth briefing
-
Target definition
-
Assessment:
-
In depth interviews with candidates
-
KxK Leadership Perception Assessment™
-
Presentation of candidates to clients
-
Setting up interviews with clients
Sprints

Our Performance
7 Weeks
…from commencing the search to the signature between our partner and the ideal candidate.
3 Candidates
…are presented on average to close our partners' open vacancies. We continuously refine our assessment process to offer efficient and effective advisory services.
95%
...of our projects are completed successfully in the best possible manner.
90%
...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.
Working with us
-
Stakeholder interviews
-
Project setup
-
In depth briefing
-
Target definition
-
-
KxK maps and identifies high calibre candidates in the agreed pools
-
Further candidate identification with parallel and transferable knowledge, skillset and experience in adjacent fields
-
-
Early referencing across all practice areas
-
Verification of interest and capacity
-
Presentation of boundary profiles / talents
-
Adjustment of search parameters when necessary
-
-
Early referencing across all practice areas
-
Verification of interest and capacity
-
Presentation of boundary profiles / talents
-
Adjustment of search parameters when necessary
-
-
Review & Feedback meetings
-
Closing strategy
-
Advise on Salary & Package
-
Level and Presentation
-
Stakeholder management with Investors, Ownership, Non-Executive Board
-
Legal support if necessary via partner
-
Briefing
-
Stakeholder interviews
-
Project setup
-
In depth briefing
-
Target definition
Research
-
KxK maps and identifies high
calibre candidates in the agreed pools -
Further candidate identification with parallel and
transferable knowledge, skillset and experience in adjacent fields
Calibration
-
Early referencing across all practice areas
-
Verification of interest and capacity
-
Presentation of boundary profiles / talents
-
Adjustment of search parameters when necessary
Sprints
-
Assessment:
-
In depth interviews with candidates
-
KxK Leadership Perception Assessment™
-
Presentation of candidates to clients
-
Setting up interviews with clients
Closing
-
Review & Feedback meetings
-
Closing strategy
-
Advise on Salary & Package
-
Level and Presentation
-
Stakeholder management with Investors, Ownership, Non-Executive Board
-
Legal support if necessary via partner

Get In Touch With Us
Your content has been submitted

Leveraging Our Network
For our partners, we harness our world-class connections to build bridges that foster flourishing synergies across various industries
Latest Successful Placements
7
Project Duration
(in weeks)
3
Candidates
Presented
Role: Chief Operating Officer
Industry: High-Tech Manufacturing
Reporting to: Managing Director
8
Project Duration
(in weeks)
5
Candidates
Presented
Role: Director Growth & Partnerships
Industry: Automotive
Reporting to: CEO
8
Project Duration
(in weeks)
3
Candidates
Presented
Role: COO & Managing Director / Country Manager
Industry: HR I Professional Services
Reporting to: Global CEO
5
Project Duration
(in weeks)
3
Candidates
Presented
Role: Head of Finance
Industry: Beauty/Pharma
Reporting to: Commercial Director
9
Project Duration
(in weeks)
2
Candidates
Presented
Role: EVP Sales
Industry: Foodtech
Reporting to: CEO
14
Project Duration
(in weeks)
4
Candidates
Presented
Role: VP Commercial
Industry: SaaS
Reporting to: CEO