Bjorn de Decker

Business-driven, people-focused executive with deep expertise in building, transforming, and scaling leadership teams across Europe and the GCC. Proven success in aligning talent, culture, and organizational strategy to drive business performance, innovation, and growth. Trusted advisor to boards and C-suite, adept at translating complex business ambitions into actionable people strategies, merging operational excellence with cultural change. Recognized for leading high-impact transformation, driving engagement, and navigating change in diverse, high-growth environments. Brings a holistic perspective, leveraging cross-industry experience in finance, legal, energy, and private equity. Balances commercial acumen with visionary thinking, shaping the narrative behind strategic moves, and ensuring people strategy propels revenue growth and business outcomes. Ready to lead at the highest level, partnering with stakeholders to future-proof organizations and maximize business value through talent, innovation, and cultural alignment. Director Executive Search, 01/2025 - Current Fintalent Executive ( a Hamilton Bradshaw Portfolio Company. Owned by James Caan CBE) – Netherlands Launched and developed the NL executive search division from scratch, spearheading client acquisition and driving revenue growth to €2.5 million, driving rapid market growth and brand establishment • Partners with high-growth and multinational companies in the Benelux to align executive hiring with business transformation goals • Assessment and coaching of senior leaders through transition, integration, and restructuring processes • • Defined HR policy and company strategy, P&L responsibility Leading talent strategy projects including market mapping, leadership benchmarking, and competitor analysis • Transformed leadership hiring processes by implementing innovative assessment techniques, resulting in improved candidate fit and retention. • • Build a professional team, developing and training of subordinates • Maintained a network of 10,000+ senior finance and legal professionals across Europe • P&L responsibility Partner Executive Search , 06/2021 - 08/2024 GRC Partners – United Arab Emirates Co-founded and led a boutique executive search firm specializing in high-level placements across various sectors, including legal, financial services, and management assessment. • Spearheaded a team of 10 consultants to align executive hiring with business transformation goals, enhancing client satisfaction. • Managed all aspects of the business including business development, client relationship management, and candidate sourcing, ensuring bespoke solutions for client engagement. • Implemented a leadership assessment process resulting in a 20% increase in executive retention across clients' organizations. • Conducted senior executive searches, successfully placing C-level executives, board members, and key management professionals to meet client strategic needs. • WORK EXPERIENCE Built and maintained a strong network of industry leaders and top-tier talent across the Middle East and globally. • Worked closely with clients to understand organizational culture and leadership requirements, delivering tailored recruitment strategies and talent assessments. • Achieved significant marke t growth and brand recognition in Dubai's competitive executive search landscape through strategic positioning and exceptional service delivery. • • Managed €4,5 million in annual billings • Trained and mentored 14 consultants Co-founder & Director of Operations, 01/2023 - 08/2023 The GCC Director's Association – United Arab Emirates Orchestrated the strategic launch and daily operations of a premier network of 300 senior executives & entrepreneurs in the GCC region, linking private equity, financial services, luxury brands, and tech sectors. • Developed exclusive event programming in the GCC and Monaco featuring C-level roundtables, sector-specific workshops, and executive networking forums and events. • Cultivated partnerships with global luxury brands (LVMH, Aldar, Cartier, Bulgari, Mubadala Co-founder & Partner Executive Search, 04/2004 - 05/2021 IRC Group SA – Luxembourg Conducted comprehensive management assessments and provided strategic board consulting to align leadership selection with organizational goals. • Led executive search projects specializing in legal and financial services sectors, successfully placing mid to senior-level professionals and board members. • Developed and maintained extensive networks and relationships with key stakeholders across Benelux's financial and legal industries to source top talent. • Advised clients on HR policies (organizational development, c-suite coaching, compensation & benefits, competitive market salaries, and executive reward strategies) enhancing hiring outcomes and talent retention. • Managed client engagements, providing tailored solutions that balanced candidate qualifications with client business culture and strategic needs. • Delivered measurable results by improving client hiring efficiency and ensuring high-level candidate fit for leadership roles. • • Handled 15 retained mandates annually