Horton International’s Consultant of the Month features one of our global consultants to find out more about them, their expertise and what they bring to the group.
This month we’re delighted to introduce Ani Närhi Managing Partner, Country Manager of Horton International Finland
Ani, tell us a bit about yourself and how long you’ve been with the group.
I have been working as a partner in Horton’s Helsinki office since 2007. Since 2020 I’ve also been the Country Manager for our operations here. My clients vary from the largest Industrial companies to the best loved consumer brands and retail. One thing you probably don’t know about me is that my hobby is ice skating and I’m the current Finnish Champion in Adult’s Synchronized Team Skating in Finland.
That really was an unexpected fact! And what attracted you to Executive Search?
I was also working in management consultancy before, but had not considered executive search as it felt quite an old fashioned industry to me. However, I was attracted to Horton because the team, then led by Jukka Auramo, wanted to break some profession’s stereotypes in leaving no stone unturned to find the best possible candidates instead of going through their “old network and old lists” which was still quite common in those days. The best decision of my working life!
Can you tell us about a recent client success?
It always feels good when some 6 months after a placement, both the client and the candidate say that the match has turned out to be even a better win-win than expected. However, a recent concrete success was when a client (C-level executive at a 10 billion€ company) gave our team feedback that the “Horton candidate list always has more diversity than competitors’”. Besides client success, I also really want to stress candidate success, where we place a lot of value. A recent rejected candidate told me, that even though she was not chosen, this was the best experience with a headhunter in a long time; she had understood the role and the expectations very well, had a clear picture of the process ahead and was kept updated as well as got feedback on why she was not chosen.
What can clients and candidates expect when they work with Horton International?
Having an honest and open dialogue in order to find the best possible match both ways; a true win-win situation.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Working with our local team in Finland, and with our global colleagues. Meeting new people every day! Having the honour to serve some of the greatest companies in Finland.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting out in the industry, what would it be?
Be curious and constantly ready for renewal!
What is shaping the industry today?
I see two developments in finding executive talent. They are Diversity and Inclusion, which is not an HR issue, and Sustainability, which is not a Marcom issue. Instead, these are key business issues. Companies need to hire executives in business roles that truly live and drive these matters on a daily basis. Companies who do not yet understand this, will soon have to. In the worst case, they’ll realize it only when they run out of investors’ money and then it may be too late.
Ready to talk? Contact Ani here
