Business · Companies · 5 hrs ago
Stephan Buchner leaves Egon Zehnder for Heidrick & Struggles
Stephan Buchner has moved from Egon Zehnder to Heidrick & Struggles as an executive search adviser.
The 64-year-old joined the firm on November 1, after 29 years at Egon Zehnder, where he held senior leadership roles.
Buchner said Heidrick's investment in technology and growth and its entrepreneurial culture attracted him.
He specialises in consumer goods, retail, media, entertainment and sport in Germany and Europe.
His past placements include Adidas chief executives Kasper Rorsted and Björn Gulden, and he recently helped Beiersdorf CEO Vincent Warnery join Lego's board.
The move comes as the executive search industry is changing, with advisers switching firms amid demand linked to economic transformation in Germany.
Heidrick's Germany head called Buchner an important addition, but no further next steps were announced.
Stephan Buchner left Egon Zehnder after 29 years and joined Heidrick & Struggles on November 1.
Buchner said Heidrick’s entrepreneurial culture, investment in technology and growth, and approach to rewarding individual performance attracted him.
He specializes in consumer goods, retail, media, entertainment and sport in Germany and Europe.
His placements include Adidas chief executives Kasper Rorsted and Björn Gulden.
Heidrick & Struggles Germany head Nicolas von Rosty called Buchner an ideal addition.
- Who
- Stephan Buchner, an executive search consultant, moved from Egon Zehnder to Heidrick & Struggles.
- What
- He changed executive search firms after 29 years at Egon Zehnder.
- When
- November 1, 2026.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- Buchner said Heidrick’s entrepreneurial spirit, investment in technology and growth, and recognition of individual performance appealed to him.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Buchner joined Egon Zehnder.
Buchner moved from Egon Zehnder to Heidrick & Struggles.
- Previous firm
- Egon Zehnder
- New firm
- Heidrick & Struggles
- Time at previous firm
- 29 years
- Start date at new firm
- November 1, 2026
- Notable placements
- Adidas CEOs Kasper Rorsted and Björn Gulden
What people are saying
The strong entrepreneurial spirit at Heidrick & Struggles appeals to me.
I am very pleased that we have persuaded Stephan Buchner, one of the most renowned consultants in German executive search, to join us.