Why would a global firm like Korn Ferry use an external executive search partner?

Even organisations with extensive internal hiring resources may use specialist search partners when entering new markets or building new divisions. External partners provide deep niche networks, sector expertise, and faster access to passive candidates in highly competitive talent pools.

Why are senior Customer Success and Presales hires so difficult in SaaS?

These roles require a rare combination of technical understanding, commercial influence, and executive-level communication. In competitive SaaS sectors like Human Capital Management, high-performing talent is often passive and not actively applying so they are hard to attract using traditional recruitment methods such as advertising. Targeting passive candidates involves strategic executive search methodology and outreach.

How did Oakstone add value beyond Korn Ferry’s internal recruiting capability?

Oakstone contributed niche SaaS and HCM expertise, acting as an extension of Korn Ferry’s internal search team to quickly map the market, engage passive candidates, and position the opportunity within a new SaaS division.

Korn Ferry Case Study

23 Jun

Written By Oakstone International

Original Requirements and Journey

Why was Oakstone the best choice, and what did we do differently?

What is the future of the Oakstone and Korn Ferry relationship?

Original Requirements and Journey

Korn Ferry was referred to Oakstone as they needed assistance on two specific roles (Senior Customer Success and Senior Presales) in their upcoming and innovative SaaS Division. An area in which they were investing heavily into for future growth.

Despite having a huge network and significant internal resources for finding candidates, Korn Ferry wanted to work with a partner who had the specific experience and network, not only in the SaaS space but also within the human capital management space, something which Oakstone has extensive experience in (previously working with leading firms such as SuccessFactors, Workday, Cornerstone, Saba and many more).

Oakstone initially spoke to Korn Ferry’s internal search team to establish their challenges and then worked closely with the hiring manager to understand the exact brief and to find the right people for the positions quickly.

Why was Oakstone the best choice and what did we do differently?

Oakstone was chosen as an exclusive partner for these two roles due to our extensive experience and network in the SaaS and Human Capital Management sectors.

We utilised our network and introduced a highly qualified shortlist for both UK roles within 10 days, which subsequently went on to close both roles with excellent people who were highly motivated to join Korn Ferry once they understood more about this new SaaS division.

Due to the rapid success of these roles in the UK, we were asked to help them assist on further roles in the US, where they were having the same challenges and needed the same support and expertise.

Our interaction on the US roles resulted in us providing another highly qualified shortlist within 7 days that included the two people Korn Ferry hired into each role. Thus maintaining Oakstone's 100% delivery record within an extremely fast time frame.

What is the future of the Oakstone and Korn Ferry relationship

Oakstone will continue to support Korn Ferry with their Senior Level Hiring.

Even organisations with extensive internal hiring resources may use specialist search partners when entering new markets or building new divisions. External partners provide deep niche networks, sector expertise, and faster access to passive candidates in highly competitive talent pools.
These roles require a rare combination of technical understanding, commercial influence, and executive-level communication. In competitive SaaS sectors like Human Capital Management, high-performing talent is often passive and not actively applying so they are hard to attract using traditional recruitment methods such as advertising. Targeting passive candidates involves strategic executive search methodology and outreach.
Oakstone contributed niche SaaS and HCM expertise, acting as an extension of Korn Ferry’s internal search team to quickly map the market, engage passive candidates, and position the opportunity within a new SaaS division.