Schelstraete Delacourt and Apollo Executive Search join forces in executive search

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Ghent/Amsterdam, 21 January 2025 - Schelstraete Delacourt, a leading player in executive search, director search and executive assessment in the BeNeLux, and Apollo Executive Search in the Netherlands, have brought together their expertise in a strategic partnership.

An alliance driven by innovation

With this move, Schelstraete Delacourt and Apollo strengthen their position as the partner of choice for BeNeLux companies looking for leaders with impact. Both players share a vision that focuses on a quality, structured and research-driven approach. This shared philosophy forms the basis for a collaboration focused on innovation, enabling them to even better meet the growing demand for effective leaders. Since KebeK Private Equity came on board at the end of 2021, this is the third strategic partnership for Schelstraete Delacourt. These partnerships will be bundled under the holding company Capenti.

Apollo Executive Search emphasises a substantive approach, structure and in-depth research. Within a relatively short time, this has resulted in a loyal and fast-growing portfolio of leading clients in the Dutch market. At the same time, Schelstraete Delacourt invests in technological innovation and leverages its extensive knowledge of local and international family and PE-owned companies, further enhancing joint strength.

Vanessa Delacourt, CEO of Schelstraete Delacourt, stresses: “Our clients trust us to understand not only what their business needs, but also how their culture makes a success story.”

Maarten van der Kwaak, Managing Partner of Apollo Executive Search, adds "Combining our knowledge and expertise allows us to serve our clients even better. The essence of this partnership is therefore innovative executive search companies."

Added value for new and existing customers

With a strong foothold in the BeNeLux and a growing international network, this partnership offers enterprising organisations access to a wider range of opportunities. The focus is not only on scaling up, but especially on further increasing the quality of services. This partnership brings customers:

International reach with local market knowledge: Both companies remain locally rooted, with a keen eye for international opportunities.

Growth through innovation: Bundling under Capenti enhances innovation capabilities, while the different companies retain their distinct identities and services.

Cultural precision: Not only competences but also the company's unique culture form the basis of every match, this for family-owned companies as well as listed and Private Equity-driven structures.

Long-term cooperation: Repeat business is the proof for lasting quality.

Peter Zeeuw van der Laan, Managing Partner of Apollo Executive Search, concludes, "This partnership underlines our commitment to finding high-quality leaders for our clients. Together, we are setting a new, modern standard in executive search."

About Schelstraete Delacourt

With more than 35 years of experience, Schelstraete Delacourt is a prominent player in executive search, director search and executive assessment. With offices in Ghent, Brussels, Amsterdam, Venlo and Luxembourg, the company combines local expertise with international knowledge.


About Apollo Executive Search

Apollo Executive Search specialises in connecting entrepreneurial companies with leaders who add strategic value and deliver growth. Based in Amsterdam, Apollo offers a results-driven service, combining local market knowledge with in-depth sector insights, primarily targeting Private Equity clients and high-growth technology companies.

Striking compared to the rest of the market, Apollo has only been around since 2017, making it relatively young for such a high-quality executive search agency. Its innovative, modern approach to executive search has led to 3 FD Gazelles in a row, 2 of them in the Top 100.

As of today, Apollo is part of Capenti.


About Capenti

Capenti combines the established expertise of executive search and interim management, represented by Schelstraete Delacourt, TopProfile Executive Search, Minds & More and Apollo Executive Search. What all subsidiaries of Capenti have in common, is finding people, leaders, who make the difference for their clients. Be it a CXO, a management position or a leading expert, it is crucial that the individuals they assign seamlessly fit into their roles. Capenti's selection of leaders goes beyond experience and knowledge, as they delve deep to find the most suitable fit for the company culture.


About KeBeK Private Equity

KeBeK Private Equity is an independent Belgian investment fund that participates in solid, medium-sized companies with identifiable potential for further value creation. KeBeK actively supports the management team of its holdings in the implementation of the jointly defined business strategy. KeBeK usually takes controlling interests, without, however, taking an operational role. The fund is managed by professionals who have worked together for many years and have a proven track record in the Private Equity sector. KeBeK's funds are provided by recognised institutional investors, family offices and successful entrepreneurs. KeBeK is currently investing from its fourth fund for which the fund raising is ongoing. Previous funds in addition to Capenti include stakes in Tailormade Logistics, Richa, Borek, Polysto and Addestino, among others.