executive search

The right leader shapes the future of a company.
Their selection cannot be left to chance.

We search for CEOs, C-level executives, and Board members. We systematically map the relevant market, personally assess candidates, and deliver independent recommendations for decisions that have a profound impact on the company's future. 

first we understand the company
then we search for its leader

It never starts with a list of names. It starts with understanding the business and the challenge the new leader is stepping into. What needs to change? What results must they deliver? What level of authority will they hold? And what do the owners or executive leadership truly expect from them?

If we spot any misalignment or risk in the brief, we call it out before the search even begins. Even an outstanding leader can fail in a poorly defined role.

Next, using our 100% Market Search methodology, we systematically map relevant companies and identify potential candidates. We don't just rely on LinkedIn, internal databases, or active job seekers.

We get to know the candidates personally, thoroughly assessing their track record, motivation, leadership style, and what it takes for them to succeed within your specific company.

We don't simply deliver a shortlist. We provide qualified recommendations, clear comparisons of real market options, and a candid view of each candidate's potential risks.

It’s not enough to know who is out there.
What matters is knowing who to choose—and why.

100% market search

We systematically map relevant companies, identify potential leaders, and approach them directly—including those who aren't actively seeking a change.

This gives us access to a market far broader than standard databases or LinkedIn can offer.

12 months warranty

We stand behind the quality of our recommendations.

We provide a 12-month guarantee on placed candidates under agreed terms. Our true objective, however, is to eliminate risks during the selection process itself.

97 % success rate

Over the past five years, we have successfully filled 97% of our search mandates.

Behind this result is systematic market research, rigorous candidate assessment, and personal oversight of every project.

8 week completion

We typically move from project launch to an accepted offer within 6–8 weeks.

This is achieved through a precise brief, thorough preparation, and a tightly managed process. For exceptionally complex mandates, the timeline adapts to the situation.

how it works

Every project begins with understanding the client's true need and ends with a decision where both sides have all the facts. We manage the entire process with clear milestones, ongoing communication, and personal accountability.

Brief & Risks

100% market search

Personal Assessment

Thorough verification

accepted offer

experience from both sides of the table - leading companies and selecting leaders

flow-r founder Pavel Plachý brought direct experience from international management to executive search, managing business results and leading teams across multiple countries.

Since 2008, we have completed more than 1,000 executive search assignments. Along the way, we have partnered with hundreds of companies, business owners, and top executives—navigating their ambitions, tough decisions, and operational challenges.

This perspective allows us to look beyond candidate sourcing. We understand the true accountability these leaders take on, what it takes for them to succeed, and how a poorly aligned role can set even the strongest manager up to fail.

Trust built on experience and results.

Behind more than 1,000 projects are real companies, real people, and decisions that shaped their trajectories. 
Clients value our thoroughness, discretion, personal approach, and ability to truly understand their business.
That is what we build long-term relationships on.

18

years on
the market

1000+

completed
projects

97 %

success
rate

recommendations

I have been cooperating with recruiters flow-r executive search for many years and I thank them for a lot of excellent colleagues and interesting meetings. One of the things I appreciate is their effort to understand not only the position they are looking for, but also the profile of the candidate they are looking for from the perspective of the team they will join. After years of cooperation, it is easier, they know my expectations. I always get candidates to choose from who meet not only professional but also human requirements. Recently, they have also been looking for colleagues abroad for our branches and again successfully.
— Karin Hrunková —CFO ASSA Abloy East Europe https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-hrunkov%C3%A1-7b583513/
I have been working with flow-r executive search over the past two years on several strategic and top management recruitments for the FORVIA group. What I appreciate most about their work is their personal approach, reliability, and ability to understand the context and specific needs of both the role and the team. Throughout our cooperation, they have proven strong results-orientation, thoroughness in market search, and the determination to bring even more complex projects to a successful close. I consider this a high-quality, valuable experience, and I gladly recommend the flow-r team to other companies looking for a partner for demanding recruitment mandates.
— Kristýna Millon —Country Talent Development Manager, FORVIA https://www.linkedin.com/in/krist%C3%BDna-millon-58751286/
We partnered with flow-r executive search to appoint a CFO for our company. Our prior internal search had taken far too much time with inadequate results. Based on a recommendation, we reached out to flow-r executive search and very quickly agreed on terms of cooperation. Pavel and Adam identified and recommended very strong candidates, guided us through a complex group approval process, and successfully brought the selected candidate on board. Many thanks for the partnership, and we will gladly work with you again in the future.

— Michal Uher —CEO, OTK printing &packaging a.s.,
I have known Pavel Plachý from flow-r executive search for years, and I am glad to work with flow-r. In recent years, we successfully appointed a Head of IT and a Manufacturing Manager—both projects were critical for our long-term operations. The team at flow-r always delivered exceptional work in a challenging market and brought us the best-suited candidates. Thank you for the partnership, and I gladly recommend them for your projects as well.
— Kamila Hánělová —HR Manager, Nedcon Bohemia
With flow-r, we successfully appointed the VP of Production for our bridge division. A key role not only for the division, but for the entire group. Despite a challenging market, the team at flow-r executive search delivered a comprehensive market search, we met outstanding candidates, and selected the best one. All within the timeline set right from the start. Many thanks for the partnership, and I gladly recommend them further.
— Martin Peřina —předseda představenstva, ENTERIA group
We worked with flow-r executive search on many projects and we were always very satisfied with the speed, systematic work, quality of the selection process and recommended candidates. Pavel and Zuzka are professionals with excellent knowledge of the market and the psychology of candidates, so their services and advice have great added value in the entire cooperation. I also appreciate their extraordinary flexibility and personal approach.
— Jan Soóky —HR Manager CZ, SK, HU IMPERIAL BRANDS https://www.linkedin.com/in/jansooky/
We have had experience with flow-r executive search for some time now. We primarily cooperate with Pavel Plachý. As a group of several companies, we need a service that the supplier is able to supply for various entities and their needs. Flow-r is doing well. Cooperation with them is always on a very professional level, I really appreciate their pro-active approach and openness. Paul maintains regular contact with us and knows what is happening with us. This makes starting each new order easy. Thanks for all.
— Zuzana Formánková —Executive Manager - Recruitment, skupina ČSOB https://www.linkedin.com/in/zuzana-form%C3%A1nkov%C3%A1-89ab619/
Pavel Plachý from flow-r executive search revived my original ideas and expectations of what a headhunter should look like and work with. Obviously I needed time and a little luck to finally meet Pavel to see what pure work "with people" looks like. Really formulate your strengths and weaknesses correctly, but most importantly see the added value in what you enjoy and fulfill. Personally, however, I was thrilled to see and be able to realize the needs of the company several months and years in advance, and accordingly he was able to identify a suitable candidate and skills that will be needed much later. It is unbelievable that even today, someone is able to put all this into a good personal story, regardless of the field in which you operate and whose main center is you - whether as a candidate or you as a client.
— Oldřich Myslivec —CFO Qminers https://www.linkedin.com/in/oldrichmyslivec/
In the flow-r executive search, we found a reliable and long-term partner not only for the Czech market.
— Tomáš Dvořák —Sales Director JD Ddvorak / TESTSYSTEME https://www.linkedin.com/in/adela-wiesnerova-48a8b658/
I would like to thank flow-r executive search and specifically headhunter Adam Červenka for their cooperation, which was very beneficial for us. Together we were able to fill a key position of a senior physician for one of our investment projects. The cooperation was at a very professional level. flow-r executive search will be our first choice for our next search for employees.
— Roman Petr —CEO RP Clinic, RP invest partner
The market is flooded with agencies, but very few can offer truly genuine executive search—direct search for the key roles in your company. flow-r executive search delivers! Always with a smile, a positive attitude, seamless communication, and most importantly, with an outstanding result and strictly on time. Filling key positions with Pavel and Adam is a genuine pleasure. They are professionals who truly enjoy their work, and I wholeheartedly and gladly recommend working with them. I look forward to our next projects together, gentlemen. Thank you!
— Mgr. Lucie Šleglová —group HR manager, GEOSAN GROUP, https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucie-%C5%A1leglov%C3%A1-5509368/
My first experience working with flow-r executive search was a truly pleasant surprise. The day after our initial evening contact, I already had an in-person meeting with Pavel, the company’s owner. The entire briefing was fast, clear, and straight to the point. What I appreciated most was that flow-r made a genuine effort to understand the full business case—not just who we were looking for and the expectations of the hiring manager (CFO), but also the role’s context within the broader company, our culture, and our way of working. Kája, who led the project itself, did an outstanding job. The entire process moved incredibly fast; despite the upcoming holidays, we had a completed shortlist and kicked off first-round interviews before Christmas—all within just two weeks. Right at the start of the new year, the CEO met the final two candidates. The selection process ran smoothly, the candidate caliber was exceptional, and we even considered them for other roles outside this search. If you are looking for a partner for Group or C-level positions who operates quickly, efficiently, and truly understands business needs—while delivering a great candidate experience—I wholeheartedly recommend flow-r!
— Eliška Hausnerová —GROUP HR director, Business Lease Group https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliska-hausnerova-73119412/
I would describe my experience with flow-r executive search as a professional approach, fast and constructive negotiations and, of course, successful projects. I see flow-r as a long-term partner and I will be happy to cooperate in the future.
— Adela Wiesnerova —HR manager KION group https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom%C3%A1%C5%A1-dvo%C5%99%C3%A1k-325807130/
I worked with flow-r on a project that was of paramount importance to our company, Electro World. Throughout the collaboration, Zuzka responded promptly, professionally, and, above all, with a genuine human touch—a significant added value when it comes to recruitment. Her communication skills and professional expertise gave us complete confidence that the process would reach a successful conclusion. I wish Zuzka and the entire flow-r team continued success and satisfied clients on both sides.
— Andrej Višacký —HR manager NAY https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrej-visacky/

contact us

You do not have to face difficult people decisions alone.

Whether you are considering handing over overall management or replacing a single key executive, you gain a partner for rational challenge and support in demanding moments.

I will be glad to discuss your company’s needs and your expectations from the change, without obligation. You do not need a finished brief.